Malachite, Cu2CO3(OH)2 (Copper Carbonate Hydroxide), is a well known and popular semi-precious stone and is named after the Greek word for "mallow", a green herb. The banded light and dark green designs give it a unique ornamental quality unlike that of any other stone. The bands and colour are so distinctive that malachite is one of the most easily recognised minerals by the general public.

Description: An angular matrix whose top surface is richly covered by fine needles of Malachite. Magnification shows thousands of these scattered in all directions, producing sharp reflections in bright light. Close inspection shows that many of the crystals are transparent and very gemmy. The bottom surface of the specimen shows a small number of azurite clusters including a couple of highly crystalline veins permeating into the matrix. A great display specimen from a new find.

Location: Bou Azzer, Morocco.