monoclinic Carbonates
Malachite (Crystal form (rare))
Formula Cu2(CO3)(OH)2
Crystal Structure
#! Species: Malachite
#! System: Monoclinic (2/m)
#! Habit: Prismatic crystals (extremely rare)
monoclinic[2/m]:{110}@1.0 + {010}@0.7 + {100}@0.5 + {011}@0.4
monoclinic
2/m
{110} {010} {100} {011}
Quick Facts
Hardness
3.5
Specific Gravity
3.6
Refractive Index
1.655
Optical Character
Biaxial -
Physical Properties
- Crystal System
- monoclinic
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 3.5
- Specific Gravity
- 3.6
- Cleavage
- Perfect {201}, fair {010}
- Fracture
- Subconchoidal to uneven
- Lustre
- Vitreous (crystals), silky to dull (massive)
Optical Properties
- Refractive Index
- 1.655
- Birefringence
- 0.245
- Optical Character
- Biaxial -
- Pleochroism
- Weak (light green to dark green)
Characteristics
Colours
Bright greenDark greenBanded green (alternating light/dark)
Localities
Democratic Republic of Congo (major source)ZambiaAustraliaArizona (USA - Bisbee)Russia (Urals - historic)Namibia
Crystal Forms
prismpinacoid
Notes
Crystal specimens extremely rare and valuable; vast majority of malachite is massive/botryoidal
Related Minerals
Other minerals in the monoclinic system
