Native copper and malachite from Oumjane Morocco
Size-
4.8cm x 3cm x 1.4cm
Weight-
15g
You will receive the item in the photo
Native copper and malachite are two distinct minerals that share a close geological relationship, frequently occurring together in the oxidized zones of copper deposits. Native copper is an elemental metal, while malachite is a vibrant green copper carbonate formed by the weathering and oxidation of copper bearing ores.
Native copper -
Crystal system: isometric (cubic)
Mineral class: native elements
Hardness:2.5-3 on the MOHs scale
Rock formation: native copper forms in two primary geological settings. First, in igneous environments, it precipitates out in the porous amygdaloidal flows of basaltic lava. Second, it can form in sedimentary rocks and the supergene (weathered) zones of sulfide deposits, where groundwater reduces primary copper sulfides into pure metallic copper.
Malachite-
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Mineral class: Carbonate
Hardness:3.5-4 on the MOHs scale
Rock formation: Malachite is a quintessential secondary mineral. It forms in the oxidized (near surface) zones of copper deposits, particularly in carbonate rich host rocks like limestone. When oxygen rich acidic groundwater dissolves primary copper minerals, it reacts with surrounding carbonate minerals(e.g calcite) to precipitate malachite along fractures and cavities.
