AllMineralsRock
Kernite Vs. Malachite
Kernite is a popular mineral composed of sodium borate.[1] Malachite is a very popular gemstone and its chemical composition is copper carbonate.[2]
Quick Facts on Differences of Kernite and Malachite
For a quick recap of the differences kernite and malachite:- While both kernite and malachite can be opaque or translucent, kernite can be transparent.
- For chemical formulas, kernite is Na2B4O7 while malachite is Cu2CO3(OH)2.
- While both kernite and malachite can be dull, silky or vitreous, in terms of luster, malachite can be adamantine.
- Kernite streaks white while malachite streaks green or light green.
- Kernite can be commonly gray while malachite can be commonly green.
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Kernite's hardness is lower than malachite - kernite is 3 and malachite ranges from 3.5 to 4.5 on the Moh's scale.
- Kernite can be scratched by copper pennies (3.5) or the average knife blade (4.5) while malachite can not be.
- Kernite's specific gravity is lower than malachite - kernite ranges from 1.9 to 2 and malachite ranges from 3.6 to 4.05.
Quick Facts on Similarities of Kernite and Malachite
The similarities of kernite and malachite include:- In terms of crystallography, kernite and malachite both are monoclinic.
- Kernite's rarity is similar to malachite.
Summary of Kernite
Kernite is a mineral that is commonly found in evaporite deposits, which consist of minerals that are left behind after water evaporates from a solution. It has a chemical formula of Na2B4O6(OH)2·3H2O and is also known as rasorite. Kernite is typically white or colorless, and it has a hardness of 2.5 on the Mohs scale. It is translucent and has a vitreous luster.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 Kernite vs Malachite
| Kernite (src) | Malachite (src) | |
|---|---|---|
| Transparency | transparent, translucent, opaque | translucent, opaque |
| Chemical Formula | Na2B4O7 | Cu2CO3(OH)2 |
| Chemical Composition | sodium borate | copper carbonate |
| Specific Gravity | 1.9, 2 | 3.6, 4.05 |
| Hardness | 3 | 3.5, 4.5 |
| Streak | white | light green, green |
| Crystallography | monoclinic | monoclinic |
| Hydrous | Yes | No |
| Colors | common: gray sometimes: white, colorless |
common: green sometimes: black less common: band, yellow |
| Category | inosilicate | carbonate |
| Birefringence | δ =0.0340 | δ = 0.254 |
| Fracture | splintery | splintery, subconchoidal, uneven |