Chrysocolla Malachite Freeform Specimen 3"x4"x1" 204g

Chrysocolla Malachite Freeform Specimen 3"x4"x1" 204grams

Mineral Information:

Chrysocolla is a mineral that is found in various parts of the world, including the United States, Chile, and Australia. It is a hydrated copper silicate mineral that forms in the oxidation zone of copper ore deposits.

Chrysocolla is often found in association with other copper minerals, such as malachite, azurite, and turquoise, and it can occur in a range of colors, including blue, green, and turquoise. It is a relatively soft mineral, with a hardness of 2.5 to 3.5 on the Mohs scale, and it has a vitreous to dull luster.

Metaphysical Meaning:

Chrysocolla is believed to help promote intuition, empathy, aqnd nurturing qualities. Chrysocolla aids in personal growth and transformation, as well as communication and expression. This increases a persons dynamicism and ability to communicate.

Mineral Care:

Chrysocolla is a relatively soft and fragile mineral, with a hardness of 2.5 to 3.5 on the Mohs scale. This means that it is easily scratched or chipped, and can be damaged by harder objects or rough handling.

In addition, chrysocolla is a hydrated mineral, which means that it contains water molecules within its structure. This can make it more susceptible to damage from heat, high humidity, or exposure to chemicals.

To help protect chrysocolla from damage, it is important to handle it with care and avoid exposing it to harsh chemicals or high temperatures. When cleaning chrysocolla, it should be washed gently with mild soap and warm water, and dried carefully with a soft cloth. It is also recommended to store chrysocolla in a protective case or wrapped in a soft cloth to prevent it from coming into contact with other hard or sharp objects.

Disclaimer:

No information here is intended to diagnose, treat or cure ailments or afflictions of any kind. One should always consult a medical professional if a serious issue presents itself.

Statistics:

Category    Phyllosilicate mineral mineraloid
Formula (repeating unit)    Cu2–xAlx{H2–xSi2O5)(OH)4•nH2O (x<1)[1]
IMA symbol    Ccl[2]
Strunz classification    9.ED.20
Crystal system    Orthorhombic
Unknown space group
Unit cell    a = 5.7 Å, b = 8.9 Å, c = 6.7 Å; Z = 1
Color    Blue, cyan (blue-green), green, blackish blue to black, or brown and rarely yellow
Crystal habit    Massive, nodular, botryoidal
Cleavage    none
Fracture    Irregular/uneven, sub-conchoidal
Tenacity    Brittle to sectile
Mohs scale hardness    2.5–3.5 (a variety, chrysocolla chalcedony, has a Mohs hardness of 7)
Luster    Vitreous to dull
Streak    white to a blue-green color
Diaphaneity    Translucent to opaque
Specific gravity    1.9–2.4
Optical properties    Biaxial (-)
Refractive index    nα = 1.575–1.585 nβ = 1.597 nγ = 1.598 - 1.635
Birefringence    δ = 0.023–0.050

Mineral Information:

Malachite is a stone with brilliant greens of a wide range of shades, it is strongly characterized by its distinctive banding and ring formations when polished, but is just as eye-catching in rough with its fibrous and botryoidal formations - high-quality specimens can have a brilliant shine. A common associate of numerous stones, but azurite, chrysocolla and copper are the most common, and in fact it was mined for the purpose of acquiring copper before it became popular for its aesthetics. Though its popularity as a pigment for green paint has fallen out of favor, it carves very well, and remains one of the most popular gemstones for jewelry and shaped figurines - even famously being used to construct the pillars of St Isaac's Cathedral in St. Petersburg, Russia.

Metaphysical Meaning:

Malachite serves to protect against danger when used as a talisman by travelers, whether in the physical or spiritual realms. 

Mineral Care:

Avoid Malachite having contact with water in rough state, can become toxic with consistent water exposure. Malachite should never be used for any kind of gem elixir. Additionally, avoid breathing in particles produced from breakage. Risk of toxic response is low, but use common sense. If used in jewelry, it is best to used settings that protect it well, as Malachite is quite soft.

Disclaimer:

No information here is intended to diagnose, treat or cure ailments or afflictions of any kind. One should always consult a medical professional if a serious issue presents itself.

Statistics:

Category    Carbonate mineral
Formula (repeating unit)    Cu2CO3(OH)2
IMA symbol    Mlc[1]
Strunz classification    5.BA.10
Crystal system    Monoclinic
Crystal class    Prismatic (2/m) (same H-M symbol)
Space group    P21/a
Formula mass    221.1 g/mol
Color    Bright green, dark green, blackish green, with crystals deeper shades of green, even very dark to nearly black commonly banded in masses; green to yellowish green in transmitted light
Crystal habit    Massive, botryoidal, stalactitic, crystals are acicular to tabular prismatic
Twinning    Common as contact or penetration twins on {100} and {201}. Polysynthetic twinning also present.
Cleavage    Perfect on {201} fair on {010}
Fracture    Subconchoidal to uneven
Mohs scale hardness    3.5–4
Luster    Adamantine to vitreous; silky if fibrous; dull to earthy if massive
Streak    light green
Diaphaneity    Translucent to opaque
Specific gravity    3.6–4
Optical properties    Biaxial (–)
Refractive index    nα = 1.655 nβ = 1.875 nγ = 1.909
Birefringence    δ = 0.254