AllMineralsRock
Chrysocolla Vs. Malachite
Chrysocolla is a popular gemstone composed of copper silicate.[1] Malachite is a very popular gemstone and its chemical composition is copper carbonate.[2]
Quick Facts on Differences of Chrysocolla and Malachite
For a quick recap of the differences chrysocolla and malachite:- While both chrysocolla and malachite is opaque, malachite can be translucent.
- While both chrysocolla and malachite can be monoclinic, in terms of crystallography, chrysocolla can be orthorhombic.
- For chemical formulas, chrysocolla is Cu2H2Si2O5(OH)4 while malachite is Cu2CO3(OH)2.
- While both chrysocolla and malachite can be dull or vitreous, in terms of luster, chrysocolla can be greasy or waxy and malachite can be adamantine or silky.
- Chrysocolla streaks blue, pale, pale blue, white or white pale while malachite streaks green or light green.
- While both chrysocolla and malachite can be commonly green, chrysocolla is often blue.
- Chrysocolla's specific gravity is lower than malachite - chrysocolla ranges from 2 to 2.4 and malachite ranges from 3.6 to 4.05.
Quick Facts on Similarities of Chrysocolla and Malachite
The similarities of chrysocolla and malachite include:- Chrysocolla's rarity is similar to malachite.
- Chrysocolla's hardness overlaps with malachite - chrysocolla ranges from 2 to 7 and malachite ranges from 3.5 to 4.5 on the Moh's scale.
Summary of Chrysocolla
Chrysocolla is a mineral that is typically found in copper deposits around the world. It is often confused with turquoise or malachite due to its similar appearance, but chrysocolla has a unique blue-green color that sets it apart. It is often found in botryoidal or stalactitic formations, and can also occur as a crust or coating on other minerals.Summary of Malachite
Malachite is a mineral that is known for its beautiful green color. It is a secondary mineral that forms as a result of the weathering and oxidation of copper minerals. Malachite is typically found in copper deposits and is often associated with azurite, another copper mineral. It is commonly found in Africa, Russia, and Australia.Table Comparison of Chrysocolla vs Malachite
| Chrysocolla (src) | Malachite (src) | |
|---|---|---|
| Transparency | opaque | translucent, opaque |
| Chemical Formula | Cu2H2Si2O5(OH)4 | Cu2CO3(OH)2 |
| Chemical Composition | copper silicate | copper carbonate |
| Specific Gravity | 2, 2.4 | 3.6, 4.05 |
| Hardness | 2, 7 | 3.5, 4.5 |
| Streak | white pale, white, blue, pale blue, pale | light green, green |
| Crystallography | monoclinic, orthorhombic | monoclinic |
| Refractive Index | 1.575, 1.635 | 1.85 |
| Hydrous | No | No |
| Colors | common: blue, green sometimes: black, brown, yellow less common: mixed, multicolor |
common: green sometimes: black less common: band, yellow |
| Category | phyllosilicate | carbonate |
| Birefringence | δ = 0.023–0.050 | δ = 0.254 |
| Fracture | conchoidal, uneven | splintery, subconchoidal, uneven |