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: An unusual specimen in which fibrous Malachite crystals have fused together into cone shaped formations. At the base the crystals are comparatively dark and fibrous, but towards the apex they become thinner and less distinct, taking on an almost glassy appearance. The colour darkens too, so that each cone shows some colour gradation from base to tip. 

Location: Tsumeb, Otavi, Namibia.