1.8" Dark Green Malachite Polished Palm Stone Mineral Specimen Republic of the Congo
Location: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Weight: 1.1 Ounces
Dimensions: 1.8 Inches Long, 1.4 Inches Wide, 0.3 Inches Thick
The item pictured is the one you will receive.
Malachite, a striking copper carbonate hydroxide mineral, is celebrated for its vibrant green hues and distinctive banded patterns. Valued for millennia, it has been used as a pigment, ornamental stone, and a source of copper. Morocco has become a notable source of high-quality malachite, offering specimens prized by collectors, artisans, and jewelry makers worldwide. Its rich green coloration and intricate patterns make Moroccan malachite a standout in the global mineral market.
The geological formation of malachite is intrinsically linked to the presence of copper deposits. It typically forms in the oxidized zones of copper ore bodies, where copper sulfides react with carbon dioxide and water. This process, often occurring near the Earth's surface, results in the precipitation of malachite. The characteristic banding observed in malachite is a consequence of variations in the concentration of copper, water, and other impurities during its formation, leading to successive layers of different shades of green or even concentric patterns. The specific conditions of temperature, pressure, and chemical environment dictate the crystal habit and overall appearance of the malachite.
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 supplied minerals for both domestic use and trade. Moroccan malachite is renowned for its exceptional green color saturation and intricate banding, making it highly prized by collectors, artisans, and jewelry makers. Malachite deposits in Morocco are typically linked to established copper mining areas, where geological formations such as fault zones, shear zones, and regions with hydrothermal alteration promote the oxidation of copper ores. Additionally, the presence of limestone and other carbonate-rich rocks provides the necessary carbonate ions, further supporting the formation of this captivating copper mineral.
