Name/Title
Iron/Copper OreEntry/Object ID
78.62.170Description
Chemical Composition: Cu3(CO3)2(OH)2,
Crystal System: Monoclinic System
Description: Common Name: Iron/Copper Ore (Azurite / Malachite on a Limonite matrix)
Azurite Chemistry: Cu3(CO3)2(OH)2, Copper Carbonate Hydroxide
Malachite Chemistry: Cu2(CO3)(OH)2, Copper Carbonate Hydroxide.
Class: Carbonates
Location: Mexico
Description: Delmar described this specimen as a piece of Iron with copper mineral from a mine in Mexico. Colors: Brown and black iron with orange and yellow matrix, with green and blue crystals of a copper minerals which is the azurite & malachite
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS A:
Color is azure, deep blue or pale blue if found in small crystals or crusts.
Luster is vitreous to dull depending on habit.
Transparency: Transparent if in thin crystals, otherwise translucent to opaque.
Crystal System is monoclinic; 2/m.
Crystal Habits crystals are irregular blades with wedge shaped terminations. Also, aggregate crusts and radiating, botryoidal, nodular and earthy masses.
Cleavage is good in one direction and fair in another.
Fracture is conchoidal and brittle.
Hardness is 3.5-4.
Specific Gravity is 3.7+ (heavier than average).
Streak is blue.
Best Field Indicators are color, softness, crystal habits and associations.
THE PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF MALACHITE:
Color is banded light and dark green or (if crystalline), just dark green.
Luster is dull in massive forms and silky as crystals.
Transparency is opaque in massive form and translucent in crystalline forms.
Crystal System is monoclinic; 2/m.
Crystal Habitsin its massive forms are botryoidal, stalactitic or globular. Crystals are acicular or fibrous and form in tufts and encrustations. Frequently found as pseudomorphs of azurite.
Cleavage is good in one direction but rarely seen.
Fracture is conchoidal to splintery.
Hardness is 3.5-4.
Specific Gravity is 3.9+ (slightly heavy).
Streak is green.
Other Characteristics: Weakly effervesces in acid.
Best Field Indicators are color banding, softness, associations and reaction to acid.
Fracture: conhoidal
Hardness: 3 Calcite
Luster: Vitreous
Specific Gravity: 3.7
Streak: blueCollection
Delmar Smith Mineral CollectionAcquisition
Accession
78.62Source or Donor
Delmar Smith Mineral CollectionAcquisition Method
DonationOther Names and Numbers
Other Number
Other Number: 1978.62.170Dimensions
Height
9-1/2 inLength
8-7/8 inDimension Notes
Dimension taken at widest pointsLocation
Location
Display Case
FS-4-ARoom
Frieda Smith HallBuilding
Crater Rock MuseumDate
January 4, 2024Location
Container
CenterDrawer
Top ShelfShelf
Left, LeftWall
East WallBuilding
Freida Smith HallCategory
PermanentMoved By
Steve MillerDate
June 29, 2012Location
Container
CenterDrawer
BottomShelf
Left, LeftRoom
Delmar Smith HallBuilding
Crater Rock MuseumCategory
PermanentMoved By
Catherine BoydDate
December 26, 2008Location
Container
CenterDrawer
Top ShelfShelf
LeftCabinet
Case #60Wall
East WallRoom
Delmar Smith HallBuilding
Crater Rock MuseumCategory
Permanent
