Malachite

Malachite is a green copper carbonate hydroxide mineral with a chemical composition of Cu2(CO3)(OH)2. It was one of the first ores used to produce copper metal. Our specimens are sourced from the Congo which extensively mines the material for its copper content. Thus getting specimen grade material is quite difficult. Pliny the Elder, 79 CE used the ancient term Molochitus but by 1661 the revised spelling was widely adopted as Malachite. Malachite has a widely variable habit ranging from botryoidal, silky, and stalactite like forms. The weight to size ratio of specimens can also have a wide range of variation depending on the density of the material. Highly dense banded or flower pattern material is considered the best for cutting material. Whilst, rich colour, chatoyancy and habit is considered important for specimens. Botryoidal material is by far the most commonly available, whilst silky / fibrous is fairly difficult to obtain, and last of all Stalactite specimens are the most rare, desirable and collectible.