amorphous Carbonates
Malachite (Massive (typical))
Cu2(CO3)(OH)2
Quick Facts
Hardness
3.5
Specific Gravity
3.6
Refractive Index
1.655
Optical Character
Biaxial -
Crystal Structure
#! Species: Malachite
#! System: Amorphous (cryptocrystalline)
#! Habit: Botryoidal and mammillary with concentric banding
amorphous[cryptocrystalline]:{botryoidal, mammillary}[banding:concentric]
amorphous
2/m
{botryoidal, mammillary}
Physical Properties
Crystal Systemamorphous
Hardness (Mohs)3.5
Specific Gravity3.6
CleavagePerfect {201}, fair {010}
FractureSubconchoidal to uneven
LustreVitreous (crystals), silky to dull (massive)
Optical Properties
Refractive Index1.655
Birefringence0.245
Optical CharacterBiaxial -
PleochroismWeak (light green to dark green)
Colours
Bright greenDark greenBanded green (alternating light/dark)
Localities
Democratic Republic of Congo (major source)ZambiaAustraliaArizona (USA - Bisbee)Russia (Urals - historic)Namibia
Crystal Forms
botryoidalmammillarybanded masses
Notes
Reacts with dilute HCl (effervescence); often found with azurite
Interactive Preview
Open this crystal in the CDL Playground to rotate, export, and explore in 3D.
Open in Playground #! Species: Malachite
#! System: Amorphous (cryptocrystalline)
#! Habit: Botryoidal and mammillary with concentric banding
amorphous[cryptocrystalline]:{botryoidal, mammillary}[banding:concentric]
Related Minerals
Other minerals in the amorphous system
