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(c) Mineral Picture courtesy of www.yuprocks.com
Mineral Picture courtesy of www.yuprocks.com

MalachiteCu2(CO)3(OH)2

Class: Carbonate
Hardness: 3.5 - 4
Density: 4.0
Streak: Pale green
Lustre: Earthy
Habit: Very fine grained coating on other rocks, almost looks like paint.
Colours: Copper green

  Crystal System: Monoclinic
Cleavage: Perfect
Fracture: Subconchoidal
Magnetism: None
Reaction with HCl: Strong

Identification in hand sample:
Colour is primary indicator, as well as habit.

Associations:
Common in near-surface oxidized portions of copper bearing hydrothermal sulfide mineral deposits.

Industrial / ecomonic uses:
Used as a minor ore of copper and also has ornamental uses due to vivid green colour.

  

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