Description

Malachite, a minor ore of copper, is a very popular green stone. It forms near the surface of the earth when copper-rich water reacts with carbonate-rich rocks. It commonly grows as groups of crystals that form concentric rings, and patterns in widely varying shades of green make it popular among collectors and lapidaries. As a decorative stone, malachite was used for columns and facades of prominent buildings in Russia. This malachite item is from the Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire).