Malachite is usually found in opaque green masses; the color is due to the copper content. Crystals are too small for faceting, however the massive material is carved or polished in many ways to reveal the alternating bands of light and dark green. In the past, malachite was worn to ward off danger and illness.
Malachite occurs in small quantities worldwide, but in larger quantities in copper-mining areas. Zaire is the most important producer.
Copper
Hydrated copper carbonate – Cu2CO3(OH)2
Monoclinic System / Botryoidal masses with radiating fibrous inner structure, frequently banded, acicular crystals.
Cabochon, beads, carvings, plaques, for inlay purposes. Sometimes cut along with the associated mineral such as azure-malachite, or along with chrysocolla.
Curved and straight banding.
Anisotropic, D.R.; Biaxial negative (generally opaque).
1.660 – 1.910 (Spot R.I. 1.85) / 0.250;
Azure-malachite (structure), Synthetic Malachite (elemental analyses), Green Turquoise (structure, R.I., birefringence)
Russia, Australia, South Africa, Zambia, New Mexico.
Effervesces with cold hydrochloric acid.
Not characteristic
First produced in Russia by the ceramic technique. Identical to the natural malachite and cannot be identified by the routine tests.
Translucent to Opaque.
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