Muséum national d'histoire naturelle _ The species

FROM : King Solomon mine, Eilat, Israel
SIZE : 16.5 x 14 cm

This polished sample shows adjacent layers of malachite (green), azurite (blue) and chrysocolla (blue-green). It measures 16.5 x 14 cm.

The sample before polishing comes from King Solomon mines, near Eilat in Israel. The Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle could obtain this specimen thanks to support from Total.

This sample is currently exposed in the Treasure Room, within the Gallery of Mineralogy of the Muséum.

Photography: Louis-Dominique Bayle, © MNHN.
3D view: Alain Dahmane / Photo Saint-Hilaire, © MNHN.

SPECIE : Malachite

HISTORY : Name inspired by the Greek word "μαλαχε" [malakhe] meaning "mauve", in reference to its colour

Species first described in 77 by Caius Plinius Secundus better known as Pliny the Elder (AD 23 – August 24, AD 79), an ancient author, naturalist and naval and military commander

Type-locality: undefined because species already known from the Ancients

CHEMICAL FORMULA : Cu2 (CO3) (OH)2
CRYSTAL SYSTEM : Monoclinic
COLOR : Green, green blackish, light green, dark green
DIAPHANIETY : Translucent to opaque
LUSTER : Adamantine to vitreous
STREAK : Light green
MORPHOLOGY : Acicular and prismatic crystals, incrustations, stalactitic aggregates
HARDNESS : 3,5-4,0
DENSITY : 3,983

CHEMICAL CLASS : V - Carbonates, nitrates
GROUP : Malachite
STRUNZ CLASS BEFORE 2001 : 5/C.01-20
STRUNZ CLASS AFTER 2001 : 5.BA.10

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Malachite

Malachite

MNHN N°194.30

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