1.5" Dark Green Malachite Polished Palm Stone Mineral Specimen Republic of the Congo
Location: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Weight: 1.3 Ounces
Dimensions: 1.5 Inches Long, 1.3 Inches Wide, 0.4 Inches Thick
The item pictured is the one you will receive.
Malachite, a copper carbonate hydroxide mineral, is renowned for its vibrant green color and distinctive banded patterns. Its historical significance spans millennia, serving as a pigment, an ornamental stone, and a source of copper. Morocco, in particular, has emerged as a significant source of high-quality malachite, contributing to its global availability and appreciation.
Malachite, a vibrant copper carbonate mineral, forms primarily in the oxidized zones of copper ore deposits. It develops when copper sulfides react with carbon dioxide and water, typically near the Earth's surface, resulting in the precipitation of this striking green mineral. The characteristic banding and concentric patterns of malachite arise from variations in copper concentration, water content, and trace impurities during its formation. Temperature, pressure, and the chemical environment play a crucial role in determining its crystal structure and overall appearance. Highly prized by collectors, artisans, and jewelry enthusiasts, malachite is celebrated for its rich green hues and intricate patterns.
Morocco’s geological landscape is abundant in mineral resources, including significant copper deposits, which are essential for malachite formation. With a mining history spanning centuries, the country has long extracted minerals for both domestic use and international trade. Moroccan malachite is prized for its vivid green color, exceptional saturation, and intricate banding, making it highly sought after by collectors, artisans, and jewelry makers. Malachite deposits in Morocco are typically found in well-established copper mining regions, where geological formations such as fault zones, shear zones, and areas with significant hydrothermal activity promote the oxidation of copper ores. The presence of limestone and other carbonate-rich rocks further aids malachite formation by supplying the necessary carbonate ions, resulting in specimens with striking patterns and rich green hues.
