Malachite
Last updated: April 2026
A green copper carbonate hydroxide mineral, known for its distinctive banded appearance.
Malachite has a specific gravity of 3.80 and a refractive index of 1.655–1.909, with a Mohs hardness of 3.5–4.0. It is biaxial −.
Physical & Optical Properties
Measured with a polariscope, a refractometer, a hydrostatic balance, a Chelsea filter, a UV torch, a loupe, a darkfield loupe and a spectroscope — step-by-step for each.
Through the refractometer
Drawn from the refractive index above, on a 1.40–1.81 scale. How to take this reading.
Key Differentiators
- Concentric banded green patterns — swirling bull's-eye and wavy bands are the primary visual identifier
- Effervesces in acid
- Low hardness
Natural vs. Synthetic
Synthetic malachite is commercially available (Precipitation synthesis (rare)). Distinguishing natural from synthetic typically requires microscopic examination of internal features.
- Banding pattern (magnification): Irregular, organic banding — wavy, concentric 'eye' formations, botryoidal growth patterns, variations in band width and color intensity, fibrous microstructure. Synthetic: Synthetic: too-regular or perfectly symmetrical banding, repetitive 'ripple' patterns lacking organic variation. Dyed serpentine: banding absent or artificial-looking, greasy luster, acetone may remove color. Dyed plastic: no mineral texture, hot needle melts with plastic smell.
- Acetone test (dyed imitations): No color transfer. Surface unaffected. Synthetic: Dyed serpentine/howlite: blue-green color transfers to swab. Confirms dyed imitation.
Loupewise Pro includes a two-phase natural vs. synthetic testing protocol for Malachite.
Treatments
- Stabilized or waxed
- Imitation (dyed serpentine, plastic)
Measurement Guides
Identifying a malachite? Loupewise walks through these tests in order — RI, SG, fluorescence, and more.
Try Loupewise Free →Studying for the GIA, FGA, or FEEG practical? Malachite is one of the 132 species in Loupewise’s drill and exam pool — practice identifying it from its measured properties under timed exam conditions.
Practice exams →