3" Dark Green Malachite Crystal Mineral Specimen On Rock Tiznit Province Morocco
Location: Tiznit Province, Morocco
Weight: 4.4 Ounces
Dimensions: 3 Inches Long, 1.4 Inches Wide, 1.6 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 is a captivating green mineral and copper gemstone, renowned for its vibrant color and unique banded patterns. This mineral forms in the oxidized zones of copper ore deposits when copper sulfides interact with carbon dioxide and water, causing malachite to precipitate near the Earth’s surface. Its signature concentric layers and striking green shades develop from variations in copper concentration, water content, and trace impurities during formation. The mineral’s crystal structure and overall appearance are shaped by the specific temperature, pressure, and chemical conditions of its environment. Ideal for gemstone collectors, jewelry makers, and mineral enthusiasts, malachite is celebrated for its mesmerizing patterns, rich green hues, and geological significance as a copper ore indicator.
Morocco's diverse geological terrain is rich in mineral wealth, notably significant copper deposits crucial for the formation of malachite. With a mining tradition spanning centuries, the region has long supplied minerals for both domestic and international markets. Malachite specimens from Morocco are distinguished by their intense color saturation and intricate banding, attributes highly prized by collectors and artisans alike. These remarkable formations are typically found in renowned copper mining districts, where geological features such as fault zones, shear zones, and areas of pronounced hydrothermal activity facilitate copper ore oxidation. Additionally, the presence of limestone and other carbonate-rich substrates plays a vital role in providing the carbonate ions necessary for the development of malachite.
