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: Very unusual, botryoidal Malachite on Matrix. The mineral crystals are fused into small spherical aggregates. Individual crystals are dark green and easily seen. The Malachite is very lustrous and gemmy. 

Location: Katanga (Shaba), Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaïre)