2.1" Dark Green Malachite Crystal Mineral Specimen Tiznit Province Morocco
Location: Tiznit Province, Morocco
Weight: 1.4 Ounces
Dimensions: 2.1 Inches Long, 1.5 Inches Wide, 0.8 Inches Thick
The item pictured is the one you will receive.
Malachite is a classic copper carbonate hydroxide mineral admired for its intense emerald-to-deep-green hues and naturally occurring concentric and banded patterns. Revered since ancient civilisations for use in ornaments, pigments, and copper extraction, malachite remains one of the most visually dramatic copper minerals known. Morocco has become a premier source of high-grade malachite, producing specimens celebrated for their vivid colouration and refined patterning.
Malachite develops in the oxidation zones of copper deposits, where copper-bearing minerals react with groundwater rich in carbon dioxide. As these chemical conditions fluctuate, layered crystal growth occurs, forming the sweeping bands and rich tonal contrasts that define the mineral. Variations in pressure, temperature, and mineral chemistry give each specimen its own distinctive appearance.
Morocco’s long-established mining regions provide ideal geological conditions for malachite formation. Faulted terrains, hydrothermal systems, and carbonate-rich host rocks, including limestone, promote copper oxidation and sustained crystal growth. These factors contribute to the clarity, intensity, and complexity seen in Moroccan malachite specimens.
Highly prized by mineral collectors, lapidary artists, and designers, Moroccan malachite represents a perfect balance of geological process, historical significance, and natural artistry, making it a standout addition to any serious mineral collection.