MALACHITE

Malachite bead necklace

Species:  Malachite
​​Mohs Hardness:  3.5 to 4 out of 10
Color:  Usually banded in two or more tones of green
RI:  1.655 to OTL (1.909)
Birefringence:  0.254 (Birefringence blink technique)
SR/DR/AGG:  AGG
Spectrum:  Not diagnostic
Fluorescence:  Inert
SG:  3.95 (+0.15/-0.70)
Routine Treatments:  Waxing
Additional Enhancements:  Resin impregnation

Malachite Facts

Vintage malachite choker necklace

Malachite is an opaque green gem known for its green banding.

Malachite deposits are found in Arizona and New Mexico, as well as throughout the world in areas such as Australia, Chile, Germany, France, Zaire and Russia.

Malachite will sometimes form together with a blue gem, known as azurite.  This combination of two gems is known as azurmalachite.
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Malachite Gallery

All photos courtesy of Scott Papper, GIA GG, AJP, CMA (NAJA)