AllMineralsRock
Malachite Vs. Variscite
Malachite is a very popular gemstone composed of copper carbonate.[1] Variscite is a popular gemstone and its chemical composition is aluminum phosphate.[2]
Quick Facts on Differences of Malachite and Variscite
For a quick recap of the differences malachite and variscite:- In terms of crystallography, malachite is monoclinic while variscite is orthorhombic.
- For chemical formulas, malachite is Cu2CO3(OH)2 while variscite is AlPO4· 2(H2O).
- While both malachite and variscite can be dull or vitreous, in terms of luster, malachite can be adamantine or silky and variscite can be waxy.
- Malachite streaks green or light green while variscite streaks white.
- Malachite's rarity is less rare than variscite.
- Malachite's specific gravity is higher than variscite - malachite ranges from 3.6 to 4.05 and variscite ranges from 2.2 to 2.57.
Quick Facts on Similarities of Malachite and Variscite
The similarities of malachite and variscite include:- Malachite and variscite both can be opaque or translucent.
- Malachite and variscite both are green.
- Malachite's hardness is similar to variscite - they both range from 3.5 to 4.5 on the Moh's scale.
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.Summary of Variscite
Variscite is a rare, hydrated aluminum phosphate mineral that is known for its striking green-blue color. It was first discovered in the Vogtland district of Germany in 1837 and was named after the Latinized name for the ancient Celtic region of Variscia. Variscite is typically found in nodules or crusts in association with other phosphates, such as turquoise and chalcosiderite, and is often mistaken for the more well-known mineral, turquoise.Table Comparison of Malachite vs Variscite
| Malachite (src) | Variscite (src) | |
|---|---|---|
| Transparency | translucent, opaque | translucent, opaque |
| Chemical Formula | Cu2CO3(OH)2 | AlPO4· 2(H2O) |
| Chemical Composition | copper carbonate | aluminum phosphate |
| Specific Gravity | 3.6, 4.05 | 2.2, 2.57 |
| Hardness | 3.5, 4.5 | 3.5, 4.5 |
| Streak | light green, green | white |
| Crystallography | monoclinic | orthorhombic |
| Refractive Index | 1.85 | 1.563, 1.594 |
| Hydrous | No | No |
| Colors | common: green sometimes: black less common: band, yellow |
common: green sometimes: red, blue, brown, white, yellow less common: pale, violet, colorless |
| Category | carbonate | phosphate |
| Birefringence | δ = 0.254 | δ = 0.031 |
| Fracture | splintery, subconchoidal, uneven | conchoidal, splintery, uneven |