3.5" Dark Green Malachite Crystal Mineral Specimen On Rock Tiznit Province Morocco

Location: Tiznit Province, Morocco

Weight: 8.4 Ounces

Dimensions: 3.5 Inches Long, 3 Inches Wide, 1.4 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 formation is closely associated with copper deposits, developing primarily in oxidized zones of copper ore bodies where copper sulfides interact with carbon dioxide and water. This near-surface chemical reaction leads to malachite precipitation. Its distinctive banding arises from fluctuations in copper concentration, water, and impurities during growth, creating layered or concentric green patterns. The crystal shape and overall morphology of malachite are governed by specific environmental factors such as temperature, pressure, and chemical conditions during its formation.

Morocco’s rich geology features abundant mineral resources, notably large copper deposits critical for malachite development. With a mining heritage stretching back centuries, the region has supplied various minerals for both local use and export. Moroccan malachite is distinguished by its intense coloration and intricate banding, prized by collectors and craftsmen. Typically, malachite occurs in recognized copper mining districts characterized by geological conditions that favor copper ore oxidation, including fault and shear zones, as well as areas influenced by hydrothermal processes. Additionally, the presence of limestone or carbonate-rich rocks plays a vital role by supplying carbonate ions essential for malachite formation.