Malachite
Real mineral · uncommon · Cu₂(CO₃)(OH)₂
A secondary copper carbonate formed by the weathering of copper ore deposits. Its banded green patterns result from rhythmic precipitation during formation. Slowly converts to other copper minerals in the presence of water.
Identity
- Formula
- Cu₂(CO₃)(OH)₂
- Chemical class
- carbonate
- Also known as
- Green copper ore, Mountain green (archaic)
Crystallography
- Crystal system
- monoclinic
- Habits
- botryoidal, massive, fibrous, stalactitic
- Fracture
- subconchoidal
Physical properties
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 4.05 g/cm³
- Luster
- vitreous, silky, earthy
- Colors
- green, dark green, pale green, banded green
- Streak
- pale green
- Transparency
- opaque, translucent
Geology
- Origins
- sedimentary, hydrothermal
- Host rocks
- limestone, copper deposits
- Associated minerals
- Azurite, Cuprite, Calcite, Chalcopyrite
- Geography
- Democratic Republic of Congo, Russia, Zambia, Australia, USA
Classification
- Rarity
- uncommon
- Gem quality
- Yes
Arcane properties
- Affinity
- earth, life
- Effects
- warding, healing
- Planar origin
- Material Plane
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