Malachite Bear Carving

Houston Museum of Natural Science Verified independent store

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Malachite is a green copper carbonate hydroxide mineral, one of the first ores to be used to produce copper metal. Has been used as a gemstone, sculptures, and pigment for thousand s of years. Malachite does not fade over time or when exposed to light. Malachite’s striking green color ranges from a mint green to a deep, verdant emerald that’s almost black. Typically found as stalactites and botryoidal coatings on surfaces of underground cavities- similar to calcite deposits found in caves. When cut into slabs, the surfaces usually exhibit banding and eyes similar to agate. Some of the first malachite deposits mined were located in Egypt and Israel over 4,000 years ago to produce copper, as well as gemstones, sculptures, and pigments. Show more