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 scaleRock 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 scaleRock 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.
