Mineral Species: Malachite after Calcite
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: This specimen is a psedomorph which means that the Malachite has formed in the space once occupied by a pair of Calcite crystals. The Malachite therefore has adopted the rhombohedral form, althoght this is not a natural crystal habit for this mineral. Scattered around the surface are numerous small white secondary Calcite crystals which contrast aesthetically against the deep green of the Malachite.
