Malachite
From The Gemology Project
| Malachite | |
|---|---|
| Chemical composition | Cu2(CO3)(OH)2 |
| Colors | Banded light and dark green |
| Crystal system | Monoclinic |
| Habit | Botryoidal, stalactitic, globular |
| Cleavage | Distinct |
| Fracture | Conchoidal, splintery |
| Hardness | 3.5-4 |
| Optic nature | Biaxial - |
| Refractive index | 1.655 - 1.909 |
| Birefringence | 0.254 |
| Dispersion | Weak |
| Specific gravity | 3.60 - 4.05 |
| Lustre | Dull, silky, vitreous |
| Transparency | Translucent to opaque |
| Pleochroism | None |
| Sources | Australia, Namibia, Russia, USA, Zambia, Zaire |
Sources
- Gemstones - Properties, identification and use (2008) - Arthur Thomas ISBN 9781845376024
