Muséum national d'histoire naturelle _ The species

FROM : Mulungwishi, Katanga, Zaire
SIZE : 5.5 x 5.15 cm

This sample shows green malachite and blue azurite. Crystals of both species are more or less lamellar and form a spherical assemblage. It measures 5.5 x 5.15 cm.

The sample was discovered in Mulungwishi deposit in Zaire.
The Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle could obtain it thanks to support from Total.

This specimen is currently exposed in the Treasure Room, within the Gallery of Mineralogy of the Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle.

Photography: Louis-Dominique Bayle, © MNHN.

SPECIE : Malachite

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

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°195.26

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