3.9" Dark Green Malachite Crystal Mineral Specimen Tiznit Province Morocco
Location: Tiznit Province, Morocco
Weight: 4 Ounces
Dimensions: 3.9 Inches Long, 1.7 Inches Wide, 1.6 Inches Thick
The item pictured is the one you will receive.
Malachite, a distinguished copper carbonate hydroxide mineral, is celebrated for its vivid green hues and striking banded patterns. With a heritage that spans thousands of years, it has served not only as a pigment and ornamental stone but also as a valuable copper source. Morocco, particularly the Tiznit Province, stands out as a prominent origin of exceptional malachite specimens, enhancing its global prestige. This mineral forms predominantly in the oxidized zones of copper deposits, where interactions between copper sulfides, carbon dioxide, and water near the Earth’s surface facilitate malachite’s precipitation. Its characteristic banding results from fluctuations in copper, water, and trace elements during formation, producing layered shades of green and intricate concentric designs. The unique crystal structure and appearance are shaped by precise temperature, pressure, and chemical conditions within its geological environment.
Morocco is like a treasure chest packed with minerals, especially copper deposits that are the perfect recipe for creating malachite. With a mining story that’s been going strong for centuries, this country has gathered a reputation for minerals that both local folks and traders love. Moroccan malachite often dazzles with bright green hues and eye-catching bands—making it a favorite among collectors and creative souls. You’ll usually find these gems hanging out in famous copper mining neighborhoods, where funky geological action like fault lines and hydrothermal hotspots whip up the perfect conditions. Plus, with plenty of limestone around, there’s no shortage of carbonate ions to help malachite show off its signature look!