Carbonates: Malachite

Composition: Cu₂CO₃(OH)₂

Crystal system: Monoclinic; typically incrusting crystalline aggregates or rosettes, also massive and botryoidal forms

1.6.1 malachite north west Qld Australia

Properties:

• Silky lustre
• Green color; botryoidal forms may show spectacular color banding
• Pale green streak
• Knife scratches very easily (Mohs Hardness 3.5-4)
• Above average density
• Cleavage rarely obvious
• Uneven fracture
• Not ferromagnetic
• Reacts with hydrochloric acid (HCl)

Occurrence:

Malachite occurs with azurite and copper oxides in secondary deposits formed above the water table as a result of the weathering of primary copper-bearing sulfide ore deposits.

1.6.2 malachite north west Qld Australia	1.6.3 malachite

1.6.4 malachite	1.6.5 malachite

Malachite is a significant source of copper. Banded forms are used for ornamental purposes.