Mineral Species: Malachite

Chemical Formula: Cu2CO3(OH)2

Chemical Name: Copper Carbonate Hydroxide

Mineral Class: Carbonate

Mineral Notes: Malachite 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: Malachite showing numerous colour zones and banding. The pocket on the front face contains numerous tiny needle-like crystals, which are best seen under magnification. They are very dark green and have a strong glassy luster. There are also several small areas of blue-green Chrysocolla over the surface of the specimen. 

Location: Bisbee, Warren District, Mule Mts, Cochise Co., Arizona, USA