4.4" Dark Green Malachite Crystals On Barite Blades Mineral Specimen Tiznit Morocco
Location: Tiznit Province, Morocco
Weight: 15 Ounces
Dimensions: 4.4 Inches Long, 2.9 Inches Wide, 2 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, a striking copper carbonate hydroxide mineral, forms primarily in the oxidized zones of copper ore bodies, where copper sulfides react with carbon dioxide and water, often near the Earth’s surface. This process results in the precipitation of malachite, and its characteristic banding arises from variations in copper concentration, water content, and trace impurities during formation. Temperature, pressure, and chemical environment further influence the crystal structure and overall appearance, creating layers of different green shades and intricate concentric patterns.
Morocco’s geological landscape is rich in mineral resources, including substantial copper deposits, which are essential for malachite formation. With a mining history spanning centuries, the country has long extracted minerals for both domestic use and trade. Malachite from Morocco is prized for its exceptional color saturation and detailed banding, making it highly sought after by collectors, artisans, and jewelry makers. These deposits are typically located in well-established copper mining regions with geological features conducive to oxidation, such as fault zones, shear zones, and areas of significant hydrothermal activity. The presence of limestone and other carbonate-rich rocks further aids malachite formation by supplying the necessary carbonate ions, resulting in specimens with striking green hues and intricate patterns.
