This malachite specimen has bold concentric bands called "bull's eyes" due to its polished state.
Malachite is a mineral that is known for its green color and banded patterns found in copper deposits alongside other minerals like azurite, chalcopyrite, cuprite and copper. It forms from supergene weathering (occurring near the surface with water from precipitation) and oxidation of primary sulfidic copper ores.
This soft mineral has been mined in the deserts of Egypt since 3000 BC. It has been used for thousands of years as pigment, for sculptures, for jewelry and as gemstones. It is a good conductor of electricity due to its high copper content.
Malachite is insoluble in water but can dissolved in some acids like hydrochloric acid and ammonia.
Notable deposits are found in Russia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Type: Malachite Locality: Democratic Republic of the Congo
