Malachite Facts
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Malachite Properties
| Chemical Composition | It is Copper Carbonate Hydroxide having the chemical formula as Cu2(CO3)(OH)2. |
| Colours | Shall always be green. Green shades would vary between light to dark green. |
| Streak | Light green, dark green, black |
| Refractive Index | 1.65 – 1.91 |
| Specific Gravity | 3.7 to 3.9 |
| Luster | Vitreous, silky, dull |
| Solid State | Opaque to translucent. |
| Crystal System | Monoclinic |
| Hardness | Varies between 3.5-4 Mohs. |
| Heat Sensitive | Yes |
| Fractures | Uneven to Sub-Conchoidal. |
| Bi-refringence | 0.021 |
| Luminescence | None |
| Source | Russia, Untied States, Mexico, Australia, Germany, Romania, Chile, United Kingdom, Zambia, Namibia, Zaire and South Africa. |
| Enhancement | Occasionally done to improve the durability and colour. |
| Precautions | Special care has to be taken. Avoid exposure to acids and excessive heat. Protect from sharp blows and scratches. Clean with a soft cloth. To be kept away from the water as well. |