Pseudomalachite
Revision as of 06:41, 24 July 2013 by (username removed)
Description
Dark waxy green crystals composed of basic copper phosphate. Pseudomalachite occurs naturally in the oxidation zones for copper ores. It resembles malachite in appearance but lacks the characeristic light/dark banding of malachite. Pseudomalachite has been found in Zaire (Shaba), Slovakia (Libethen), Germany (Bavaria), France, Russia, Canada and the U.S. (Arizona).
Synonyms and Related Terms
basic copper phosphate; false malachite; ehlite; lunnite; Pseudomalachit (Deut.)
Other Properties
Crystals = massive Fracture = conchoidal Clavage = imperfect Luster = glassy Streak = bluish green
Unlike malachite, pseudomalachite will not react with acids.
| Composition | Cu5(PO4)2(OH)4 |
|---|---|
| Mohs Hardness | 4.0-4.5 |
| Density | 3.6-4.34 |
| Molecular Weight | 542.68 |
| Refractive Index | 1.791; 1.856; 1.867 |
Additional Information
MinDat: Pseudomalachite
Authority
- External source or communication Comment: Naumova et al. Studies in Conservation 35:81-88, 1990
- Website address 1 Comment: MinDat at http://mineral.galleries.com/minerals/phosphat/pseudoma/pseudoma.htm