Malachite Cabs, Mix

The name Malachite is derived from its green colour and from its low hardness. When cut, the stone shows a bandage of light and dark layers with concentric rings, straight stripes or other figurative shapes caused by its shell-like formation. Malachite is sensitive to heat, acids, ammonia and hot water. Today, Zaire near the Democratic Republic of the Congo is the most important malachite producer. You can also find it in Australia, Chile, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Arizona. 

Shape: Mixed

Size: Mixed - small to large sizes

Weight: 11 - 26g

Colour: Green with black streaks

Moh's hardness: 3½ - 4

Density: 3.25 - 4.10

Cleavage: Perfect

Refractive index: 1.655 - 1.909

Dispersion: None