Malachite is a mineral composed of copper carbonate, with the chemical formula Cu₂CO₃(OH)₂. This mineral is well known for its bright green hues, which can vary from light to dark green, often with concentric banded patterns or botryoidal shapes. These distinctive patterns make malachite a popular mineral for sculpture and decorative objects.
Crystallizing in the monoclinic system, malachite generally forms fibrous, botryoidal or stalactitic masses. Due to its copper content, it has a silky or matte lustre. With a hardness of 3.5 to 4 on the Mohs scale, malachite is relatively soft, making it sensitive to scratches and wear.
