Malachite

From The Gemology Project
Jump to: navigation, search
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