Malachite

Mineral formula: Cu₂(CO₃)(OH)₂

Grouping: member of rosasite group

Crystal system: monoclinic

Crystal habit: variable: aggregates, crusts, banded, botryoidal clusters of radiating crystals

Cleavage: Perfect on {201}, fair on {010}.

Fracture: splintery

Color: bright green to dark green

Luster: silky, earthy

Diaphaneity: opaque

Moh’s scale hardness: 3 ½ to 4

Streak: light green

Specific gravity: 3.6 – 4.05

Named after: in antiquity (see Pliny the Elder, 79 CE) molochitus after the Greek μαλαχή, "mallows," in allusion to the green color of the leaves. Known in the new spelling, malachites, at least by 1661.

Geological occurrence: common secondary copper mineral with a widely variable habit. Typically it is found as crystalline aggregates or crusts, often banded in appearance, like agates. It is also often found as botryoidal clusters of radiating crystals, and as mammillary aggregates as well. Single crystals and clusters of distinguishable crystals are uncommon, but when found they are typically acicular to prismatic. It is also frequently found as a pseudomorph after azurite crystals, which are generally more tabular in shape.

Energetic properties: the green color relates malachite to the heart chakra, supporting its clearing and cleansing, and growth and abundance. Helps with healing emotional imbalance, enhances creativity, provides encouragement and strength in difficult circumstances. Malachite is also known as a protective mineral; it helps to decrease the energetic effects of electromagnetic radiation. Use focused, positive intention when working with this stone. According to Melody,*  malachite is a "stone of transformation", assisting one in changing situations, and providing for the transfer of sacred information leading to spiritual evolution.

*Melody (2008) Love is in the Earth, the Crystal & Mineral Encyclopedia. Earth Love Publishing, 976 pp.

________ 

Malachite crystallizes in the forms of masses (normally with swirling patterns), tufts, rosettes, crusts, botryoidal configurations, compact and layered structures, aggregates, and rarely, as stalactities, needle-like crystals, and prismatic crystals with wedge-shaped terminations.   Single crystals and clusters of distinguishable crystals are uncommon, but when found they are typically acicular to prismatic.

The optical properties (color, intensity) of this mineral is characteristic of copper(II). . 

 Azurite is usually found in association with malachite, producing a striking color combination of deep blue and bright green that is strongly indicative of the presence of copper ores.  Malachite is more common than azurite. 

Both of these copper carbonates occur as common secondary minerals in the oxidation zone of copper ore deposits, where the water table and hydrothermal fluids provide the means for chemical precipitation, especially with copper deposits around limestones, the source of the carbonate.

Azurite and Malachite have been used as ornamental stones and in jewelry. Both minerals were used as mineral pigment in the past.  Heating destroys azurite easily, so all mounting of azurite specimens must be done at room temperature.   Azurite and Malachite dust is toxic and must not be inhaled when cutting and polishing.

Some of the locales from which specimens of Azurite & Malachite are available at Taos Rockers are:

Arizona

New Mexico

Utah

Mexico

China