Mineral description : Malachite

Malachite as a crust.
From Bastnäs. Malachite ball in a cavity from Pahtohavare.
Formed in the oxidation zone.

Mineral class Calcites : Cerrusite-malachite-hydrozincite group.

Chemical formula Cu₂(CO₃)(OH)₂

Crystal system Monoclinic

Habitus As fibric, radiating needle like crystals. Also as botryidal crusts and compact masses.

Cleavage

Hardness 3.5-4

Density 4.0

Color Green.

Streak Light green.

Luster

Description Created as a product of weathering of copper minerals.

Occurance As crusts or massive masses in the oxidation zone of copper ore and minerals.

Associates Copper minerals, Azurite.

Notes Pseudomorphs after azurite is common.

Locations

In Bastnäs cerite mine, Riddarhyttan, Västmanland. As crusts on chalcopyrite and other rocks.
Pahtohavare, Kiruna, Lappland. Massive, fibric and as fibric balls in cavities in the oxidation zone.

To carbonates index.
Mineral group index.
Main index.

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axelsson@acc.umu.se

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Last changed : 2000-10-22

Mineral class	Calcites : Cerrusite-malachite-hydrozincite group.
Chemical formula	Cu₂(CO₃)(OH)₂
Crystal system	Monoclinic
Habitus	As fibric, radiating needle like crystals. Also as botryidal crusts and compact masses.
Cleavage
Hardness	3.5-4
Density	4.0
Color	Green.
Streak	Light green.
Luster
Description	Created as a product of weathering of copper minerals.
Occurance	As crusts or massive masses in the oxidation zone of copper ore and minerals.
Associates	Copper minerals, Azurite.
Notes	Pseudomorphs after azurite is common.
Locations	In Bastnäs cerite mine, Riddarhyttan, Västmanland. As crusts on chalcopyrite and other rocks. Pahtohavare, Kiruna, Lappland. Massive, fibric and as fibric balls in cavities in the oxidation zone.