Malachite is a deep green opaque gemstone with parallel bands and concentric rings, giving it a unique appearance. Its significance dates back to the ancient Egyptian and Greek civilizations, and its use has been important throughout the centuries. The famous Russian Malachite deposits were historically worked for use as a gemstone and carving stone, with Malachite being especially used in the house of the Russian Czars.
| Chemical Formula | Cu2CO3(OH)2 |
| Color | Green, Banded |
| Hardness | 3.5Â -Â 4 |
| Crystal System | Monoclinic |
| Refractive Index | 1.65Â -Â 1.91 |
| SG | 3.9Â -Â 4.0 |
| Transparency | Opaque |
| Double Refraction | -.025 |
| Luster | Silky |
| Cleavage | 1,1 - basal. Not usually discernible because crystals are tiny. |
| Mineral Class | Malachite |
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