About Malachite
A green copper carbonate hydroxide mineral, recognized by its vibrant green color and distinctive banded patterns. It's a potent stone of transformation and protection, known for absorbing negative energies and encouraging positive change.
Primary Hues
Green, Banded Light and Dark Green
Geological & Scientific Details
Malachite is classified as a carbonate mineral mineral which typically crystallizes in the monoclinic system. Its chemical formula is Cu2CO3(OH)2. Common crystal habits include massive, botryoidal, stalactitic, crystals are acicular to tabular prismatic.
Key Geological Properties:
- Mineral Category: Carbonate mineral
- Chemical Formula: Cu2CO3(OH)2
- IMA Symbol: Mlc[1]
- Crystal System: Monoclinic
- Formula Mass (g/mol): 221.1 g/mol
- Predominant Geological Color: Bright green, dark green, blackish green, with crystals deeper shades of green, even very dark to nearly black commonly banded in masses; green to yellowish green in transmitted light
- Crystal Habit: Massive, botryoidal, stalactitic, crystals are acicular to tabular prismatic
- Twinning: Common as contact or penetration twins on {100} and {201}. Polysynthetic twinning also present.
- Cleavage: Perfect on {201} fair on {010}
- Luster: Adamantine to vitreous; silky if fibrous; dull to earthy if massive
- Streak: light green
- Diaphaneity: Translucent to opaque