Malachite

Unknown Owner

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When the term "primary" is used to describe malachite, it is to emphasize that it is not pseudomorphic after azurite or any other species. We as mineral collectors know that malachite "crystals" of any size are MOSTLY found as replacements of azurite, the primary of the two minerals formed in deposits most of the time. Nevertheless, this bright, rich green, specimen is primary malachite - composed of radiating and chatoyant crystals, to 2.0 cm across. True primary malachite, which crystallized in large crystals directly from solution and not as a replacement of azurite, are actually very rare in any quality on a worldwide basis and are valued highly. This striking radial spray is composed of just such crystals, and they have incredible chatoyant, vivid, almost metallic green color to them. Ex. Charlie Key.