Malachite

History: Named in antiquity molochitus after the Greek "mallows" in allusion to the green color of the leaves.  Renamed malachite at least by 1661.

Tests: Soluble in dilute hydrochloric acid.

Uses: Easily carved for figurines or jewelry.

Properties

Cleavage Perfect
Color Green, Dark green, Blackish green
Crystal Systems Monoclinic
Fracture Uneven
Hardness 3.5-4
Specific Gravity 4.0

Group

Carbonates

Composition

Cu2(CO3)(OH)2