MINERAL OF THE MONTH
Fall 2007: Malachite
Recently, the museum was able to purchase some incredible museum-quality Malachite specimens to sell in the gift shop. One is pictured below. Malachite is a copper carbonate hydroxide mineral. It forms in botryoidal, fibrous, or stalagmitic masses, usually from the weathering of copper ores.
The stone’s name derives from the Greek word, molochitis, which means “mallow-green stone.” Until around 1800, pigments from this stone were used in making green paints.
Large quantities of malachite have been mined throughout the world including the Congo (Zaire), Tsumeb, Namibia, Ural Mountains, Russia, Mexico, England, and the U.S. There is archeological evidence that it has been mined for over 3,000 years in Israel, and for even longer in Egypt.
Malachite is a soft mineral with a hardness between 3.5 and 4, and a specific gravity of between 3.6 and 4. It is fragile and should be protected from scratching and sharp blows. When cutting or polishing malachite, you should be careful to protect your skin and not breath in the small microscopic splinters. You should also be careful when washing or cleaning malachite specimens because you can easily remove protective finishes.
Malachite is the anniversary gemstone for the 13th year of marriage. Some believe its metaphysical properties help to bring harmony into one’s life. It is also thought to enhance knowledge, patience, and to ward off danger and illness.
Mineral of the Month Archives
May 2007 Rainbow Fluorite
June 2007 Lake Superior Michipicoten Agate
July 2007 Labadorite
August 2007 Rain Flower Agate
Fall 2007 Malachite
December 2007 Nepheline Syenite
January 2008 Native Copper
February 2008 Amazonite
March 2008 Lake Superior Agate
April 2008 Shadow Agate
May 2008 Apohpylite
June 2008 Ocean Jasper
Summer 2008 Marra Mamba Tiger's Eye
September 2008 Mohawkite
October 2008 Mexican opal
November 2008 Prehnite
December 2008 Picture Jasper
January 2009 Sea Shell Jasper
February 2009 Polychrome Jasper
March 2009 Selenite Desert Rose
Spring 2009 Coyamito Agate
July 2009 Obsidian Needles
August 2009 Goethite
September 2009 Banded Iron Formation
Fall 2009 Fairburn Agate
February 2010 Kentucky Agate
March 2010 Fossilized Dinosaur Bone
April/May 2010 Kentucky Agate
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Gitche Gumee Museum.
E21739 Brazel Street
Grand Marais, Michigan 49839
