3.8" Dark Green Malachite Crystal Mineral Specimen On Rock Tiznit Province Morocco
Location: Tiznit Province, Morocco
Weight: 8.8 Ounces
Dimensions: 3.8 Inches Long, 2.7 Inches Wide, 1.8 Inches Thick
The item pictured is the one you will receive.
Malachite, an intense green copper carbonate hydroxide mineral, commands attention with its bold banded patterns. For thousands of years, it has defied time as a striking pigment, coveted ornamental stone, and vital copper source. Morocco stands out as a fierce hub for premium malachite, fueling its worldwide demand and reverence.
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 rugged terrain hides rich copper veins—the lifeblood of malachite creation. With a mining legacy stretching back centuries, this land has yielded minerals prized both locally and globally. Moroccan malachite stands out for its fierce color depth and sharp banding, captivating collectors and artists alike. These gems emerge from hotspots of copper mining, where intense geological forces—faults, shears, and hydrothermal bursts—fuel copper oxidation. Add in carbonate-rich rocks like limestone, and you get the perfect storm that forges these striking malachite masterpieces.
