PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

Classic Botryoidal Malachite: A Rare Gem from the Congo

Malachite, known for its classic botryoidal habit, is a green Copper Carbonate Hydroxide mineral with the chemical composition Cu₂(CO₃)(OH)₂. Historically significant, Malachite was one of the first ores used to produce copper metal. Our specimens are sourced from the Congo, a region extensively mined for its copper content, making specimen-grade Malachite increasingly difficult to obtain.

The mineral's name has evolved over time; Pliny the Elder referred to it as "Molochitus" in 79 CE, but by 1661, the modern spelling "Malachite" had been widely adopted. Malachite displays a wide variety of forms, including botryoidal, silky, and stalactite-like structures. The weight-to-size ratio of these specimens can vary greatly, depending on the material's density.

PRODUCT FEATURES
Botryoidal, Crystalline

PRODUCT COLOUR 
Green

MOHS HARDNESS SCALE
3.5 – 4

PRODUCT DATA
Locality = Tenke Fungurume, Congo 
Grade =  Grade
Size =  mm