Difference between revisions of "Malachite" - New World Encyclopedia

From New World Encyclopedia
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''This article is about the mineral. For the butterfly see [[Malachite (butterfly)]]. For the [[Jinn (band)|Jinn]] single see [[Malachite (Jinn)]].''
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{{Claimed}}
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:''This article is about the mineral.''
 
{{Infobox mineral
 
{{Infobox mineral
 
| name        = Malachite
 
| name        = Malachite
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| boxbgcolor  =  
 
| boxbgcolor  =  
 
| image      = Malachite Macro 43.jpg
 
| image      = Malachite Macro 43.jpg
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| caption    = Malachite showing typical radiating fiberous and botryoidal structure.
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| caption    = Malachite showing typical radiating fibrous and botryoidal structure.
 
| formula    = Cu<sub>2</sub>CO<sub>3</sub>(OH)<sub>2</sub>
 
| formula    = Cu<sub>2</sub>CO<sub>3</sub>(OH)<sub>2</sub>
 
| molweight  =  
 
| molweight  =  
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}}
 
}}
  
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'''Malachite''' is a [[Carbonate minerals|carbonate mineral]], [[copper(II) carbonate]] [[hydroxide]] Cu<sub>2</sub>CO<sub>3</sub>(OH)<sub>2</sub>. It crystallizes in the [[monoclinic]] crystal system, and most often forms [[botryoidal]], fibrous, or [[stalagmite|stalagmitic]] masses. Individual crystals are rare, but do occur as slender to acicular prisms. [[Pseudomorph]]s after more tabular or blocky azurite crystals also occur.
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'''Malachite''' is a [[Carbonate minerals|carbonate mineral]] of [[copper]], with a vibrant green color. It is usually found with copper deposits associated with [[limestone]].
  
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Malachite often results from weathering of [[copper]] [[ore]]s and is often found together with [[azurite]] (Cu<sub>3</sub>(CO<sub>3</sub>)<sub>2</sub>(OH)<sub>2</sub>), [[goethite]], and [[calcite]]. Except for the vibrant green colour, the properties of malachite are very similar to those of azurite and aggregates of the two minerals together are frequently found, although malachite is more common than azurite. Typically associated with copper deposits associated with [[limestone]]s, the source of the carbonate.
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== Etymology ==
  
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The stone's name derives (via [[Latin]] and [[French language|French]]) from [[Greek language|Greek]] ''molochitis'', "[[mallow]]-green stone", from ''molochē'', variant of ''malachē'', "mallow". Malachite was used as a mineral pigment in green paints from antiquity until about [[1800]]. The pigment is moderately lightfast, very sensitive to [[acid]]s and varying in colour. The natural form was being replaced by its synthetic form, [[verditer]] amongst other synthetic greens.  It is also used for decorative purposes, such as in the Malachite Room in the [[Hermitage Museum|Hermitage]] which features a huge [[:Image:New hermitage interior.jpg|malachite vase]]. "The [[Tazza]]", one of the largest pieces of malachite in North America and a gift from [[Tsar Nicholas II]], stands as the focal point in the center of the room of [[Linda Hall Library]].
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The name malachite derives (via [[Latin]] and [[French language|French]]) from the [[Greek language|Greek]] word ''molochitis'', meaning "[[mallow]]-green stone." That, in turn, may be derived from ''molochē'' (variant of ''malachē''), meaning "mallow."
  
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Large quantities of malachite have been mined in the [[Urals]]. It is found in the [[Democratic Republic of Congo]]; [[Tsumeb]], [[Namibia]]; Ural mountains, [[Russia]]; [[Mexico]]; [[Broken Hill, New South Wales]]; [[England]]; [[Lyon]]; and in the Southwestern [[United States]] especially in [[Arizona]] at [[Bisbee, Arizona|Bisbee]] and [[Morenci, Arizona|Morenci]].
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== Occurrence ==
  
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In [[Israel]], malachite is extensively mined at [[Timna]], often called [[King Solomon's Mines]]. Archeological evidence indicates that the mineral has been mined and smelted at the site for over 3,000 years. Most of Timna's current production is also smelted, but the finest pieces are worked into silver jewelry.  
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Malachite often results from weathering of [[copper]] [[ore]]s and is often found together with [[azurite]] (Cu<sub>3</sub>(CO<sub>3</sub>)<sub>2</sub>(OH)<sub>2</sub>), [[goethite]], and [[calcite]]. Except for the vibrant green color, the properties of malachite are very similar to those of azurite and aggregates of the two minerals together are frequently found, although malachite is more common than azurite. Typically found with copper deposits associated with [[limestone]], the source of the carbonate.
  
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==Images==
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Large quantities of malachite have been mined in the [[Ural]] mountains of [[Russia]]. In addition, it has been found in the [[Democratic Republic of Congo]]; [[Tsumeb]], [[Namibia]]; [[Mexico]]; [[Broken Hill, New South Wales]], [[Australia]]; [[England]]; and [[Lyon]], [[France]]. It also occurs in the Southwestern [[United States]], especially in [[Arizona]] at [[Bisbee, Arizona|Bisbee]] and [[Morenci, Arizona|Morenci]].
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 +
In [[Israel]], malachite is extensively mined at [[Timna]], often called [[King Solomon's Mines]]. Archeological evidence indicates that the mineral has been mined and smelted at this site for over 3,000 years. Most of Timna's current production is also smelted, but the finest pieces are worked into silver jewelry.
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== Characteristics ==
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[[Image:Malachite-unit-cell-3D-balls.png|thumb|150px|left|[[Ball-and-stick model]] of a [[unit cell]] malachite.]]
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Chemically, malachite is called [[copper(II) carbonate]] [[hydroxide]], with the formula Cu<sub>2</sub>CO<sub>3</sub>(OH)<sub>2</sub>. It crystallizes in the [[monoclinic]] crystal system, and most often forms [[botryoidal]], fibrous, or [[stalagmite|stalagmitic]] masses. Individual crystals are rare, but they do occur as slender to acicular prisms. [[Pseudomorph]]s after more tabular or blocky azurite crystals also occur.
 +
 
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== Uses ==
 +
 
 +
Malachite was used as a mineral pigment in green paints from antiquity until about 1800. The pigment is moderately lightfast, very sensitive to [[acid]]s, and varies in color. The natural form was being replaced by its synthetic form, [[verditer]] amongst other synthetic greens.
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It is also used for decorative purposes, such as in the Malachite Room in the [[Hermitage Museum]], which features a huge [[:Image:New hermitage interior.jpg|malachite vase]]. "The [[Tazza]]," one of the largest pieces of malachite in North America and a gift from [[Tsar Nicholas II]], stands as the focal point in the center of the room of [[Linda Hall Library]].
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== Gallery ==
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
 
Image:Malachite Zaire.jpg|A polished slice of Malachite.
 
Image:Malachite Zaire.jpg|A polished slice of Malachite.
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Image:Malachite-unit-cell-3D-balls.png|[[Ball-and-stick model]] of malachite's [[unit cell]]
 
 
Image:Azurite with malachite and others.jpg|Malachite crystals atop blue [[azurite]], with brown [[cuprite]] on the white [[kaolinite]]
 
Image:Azurite with malachite and others.jpg|Malachite crystals atop blue [[azurite]], with brown [[cuprite]] on the white [[kaolinite]]
 
Image:MoreMalachite.jpg|Malachite from the [[Democratic Republic of Congo]]
 
Image:MoreMalachite.jpg|Malachite from the [[Democratic Republic of Congo]]
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</gallery>
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== See also ==
  
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</gallery>
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* [[Azurite]]
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* [[Gemstone]]
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* [[Mineral]]
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
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*Hurlbut, Cornelius S.; Klein, Cornelis, 1985, Manual of Mineralogy, 20th ed., John Wiley and Sons, New York ISBN 0-471-80580-7
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* Hurlbut, Cornelius S., and Cornelis Klein. 1985. ''Manual of Mineralogy''. 20th ed. New York: John Wiley. ISBN 0-471-80580-7
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* Sofianides, Anna S., and George E. Harlow. 1997. ''Gems & Crystals''. London: Parkgate Books. ISBN 1-85585-391-4
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* Weinstein, Michael. 1967. ''The World of Jewel Stones''. New York: Sheridan House.
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== External links ==
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*[http://mineral.galleries.com/minerals/carbonat/malachit/malachit.htm Mineral Galleries]
 
*[http://mineral.galleries.com/minerals/carbonat/malachit/malachit.htm Mineral Galleries]
 
*[http://webmineral.com/data/Malachite.shtml Webmineral data]
 
*[http://webmineral.com/data/Malachite.shtml Webmineral data]
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*[http://www.hermitagemuseum.org/html_En/08/hm88_0_1_62.html Virtual tour of the Malachite Room]
 
*[http://www.hermitagemuseum.org/html_En/08/hm88_0_1_62.html Virtual tour of the Malachite Room]
  
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{{wiktionary}}
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[[Category:Physical sciences]]
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{{Commonscat|Malachite}}
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[[Category:Earth sciences]]
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[[Category:Geology]]
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[[Category:Carbonate minerals]]
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[[Category:Minerals]]
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[[Category:Copper minerals]]
 
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[[Category:Hydroxide minerals]]
 
  
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[[br:Malakit]]
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{{credit|159209446}}
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[[ca:Malaquita]]
 
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[[de:Malachit]]
 
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[[et:Malahhiit]]
 
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[[es:Malaquita]]
 
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[[fr:Malachite]]
 
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[[ko:공작석]]
 
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[[it:Malachite]]
 
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[[he:מלכיט]]
 
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[[lt:Malachitas]]
 
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[[hu:Malachit]]
 
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[[nl:Malachiet]]
 
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[[ja:孔雀石]]
 
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[[pl:Malachit]]
 
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[[pt:Malaquita]]
 
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[[ru:Малахит]]
 
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[[sk:Malachit]]
 
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[[sl:Malahit]]
 
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[[fi:Malakiitti]]
 
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[[sv:Malakit]]
 
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[[vi:Malachit]]
 
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[[tr:Malahit]]
 
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[[zh:碱式碳酸铜]]
 

Revision as of 19:58, 24 September 2007

This article is about the mineral.
Malachite
Malachite Macro 43.jpg
Malachite showing typical radiating fibrous and botryoidal structure.
General
CategoryMineral
Chemical formulaCu2CO3(OH)2
Identification
ColorGreen
Crystal habitMassive, botryoidal, stalactitic
Crystal systemMonoclinic - prismatic
CleavagePerfect
FractureConchoidal to splintery
Mohs Scale hardness3.5 - 4
LusterDull/vitreous in large quantities, silky in crystal form
Streakgreen
Specific gravity3.6 - 4
{{{density}}}

Malachite is a carbonate mineral of copper, with a vibrant green color. It is usually found with copper deposits associated with limestone.

Etymology

The name malachite derives (via Latin and French) from the Greek word molochitis, meaning "mallow-green stone." That, in turn, may be derived from molochē (variant of malachē), meaning "mallow."

Occurrence

Malachite often results from weathering of copper ores and is often found together with azurite (Cu3(CO3)2(OH)2), goethite, and calcite. Except for the vibrant green color, the properties of malachite are very similar to those of azurite and aggregates of the two minerals together are frequently found, although malachite is more common than azurite. Typically found with copper deposits associated with limestone, the source of the carbonate.

Large quantities of malachite have been mined in the Ural mountains of Russia. In addition, it has been found in the Democratic Republic of Congo; Tsumeb, Namibia; Mexico; Broken Hill, New South Wales, Australia; England; and Lyon, France. It also occurs in the Southwestern United States, especially in Arizona at Bisbee and Morenci.

In Israel, malachite is extensively mined at Timna, often called King Solomon's Mines. Archeological evidence indicates that the mineral has been mined and smelted at this site for over 3,000 years. Most of Timna's current production is also smelted, but the finest pieces are worked into silver jewelry.

Characteristics

Ball-and-stick model of a unit cell malachite.

Chemically, malachite is called copper(II) carbonate hydroxide, with the formula Cu2CO3(OH)2. It crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system, and most often forms botryoidal, fibrous, or stalagmitic masses. Individual crystals are rare, but they do occur as slender to acicular prisms. Pseudomorphs after more tabular or blocky azurite crystals also occur.

Uses

Malachite was used as a mineral pigment in green paints from antiquity until about 1800. The pigment is moderately lightfast, very sensitive to acids, and varies in color. The natural form was being replaced by its synthetic form, verditer amongst other synthetic greens.

It is also used for decorative purposes, such as in the Malachite Room in the Hermitage Museum, which features a huge malachite vase. "The Tazza," one of the largest pieces of malachite in North America and a gift from Tsar Nicholas II, stands as the focal point in the center of the room of Linda Hall Library.

Gallery

  • A polished slice of Malachite.

  • Malachite crystals atop blue azurite, with brown cuprite on the white kaolinite

  • Malachite from the Democratic Republic of Congo

See also

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  • Hurlbut, Cornelius S., and Cornelis Klein. 1985. Manual of Mineralogy. 20th ed. New York: John Wiley. ISBN 0-471-80580-7
  • Sofianides, Anna S., and George E. Harlow. 1997. Gems & Crystals. London: Parkgate Books. ISBN 1-85585-391-4
  • Weinstein, Michael. 1967. The World of Jewel Stones. New York: Sheridan House.

External links

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