Mineral Species: Malachite and Cuprite

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: A heavy matrix of red-brown Cuprite over which lay numerous blocky crystals of Malachite. The latter has a very attractive silke sheen. There are also numerous patches of dark-green Azurite which provide an attractive contrast.

Location: Tsumeb, Otavi, Namibia.