This listing is for a Malachite egg display specimen, 100% natural. This is a completely polished specimen with a spectacular banding and plume pattern. Gorgeous specimen for your collection.

Details:

• gemstone: Malachite
• color: green
• dimensions: approx 1.5 × 1.25 inches
• weight: 90.58 g

The measurements provided are at the widest part and are close approximations.   The piece(s) shown in the pictures is what will be shipped to you.

Malachite is a vibrant green copper carbonate hydroxide mineral with the chemical formula Cu₂CO₃(OH)₂. It is formed through the weathering of copper ores, typically near limestone deposits, and contains a high concentration of copper—often making up about 50% to 70% of its composition.

Physical & Chemical Properties

• Color: Bright green to nearly black, featuring distinct concentric or woodgrain-like light and dark green banding.
• Crystal System: Monoclinic; individual crystals are rare, typically forming botryoidal (grape-like), fibrous, or stalagmitic masses.
• Hardness: Soft, measuring 3.5 to 4 on the Mohs scale.
• Associations: Frequently found alongside azurite, chrysocolla, calcite, and native copper in the upper oxidized zones of copper deposits.
• Origins: Notable historical and modern localities include Shaba (Congo), Tsumeb (Namibia), the Ural Mountains (Russia), Australia, England, and Arizona in the United States.

This is what Megan from IL had to say about our gemstone spheres: Beautiful quality on both of the pieces I ordered!! Definitely will purchase from this seller again.

A glass stand can be purchased separately if desired.
https://tntmineco.com/shop/glass-sphere-stand-medium/

If you have any questions, please contact us.

Thank You

Tim & Tonya Daniels

Safety Advisory (California Proposition 65):

While completely safe to display on a shelf or wear as finished pieces, many raw mineral specimens naturally contain toxic elements, heavy metals, or glass-like structures (such as copper, arsenic, lead, or silica). To ensure your safety, please follow these responsible ownership and lapidary protocols:

• Basic Handling: Always wash your hands immediately after touching raw minerals and never ingest minerals.

• Lapidary Safety: When cutting or drilling, always use specialized safety equipment, including wet-cutting machinery, proper ventilation, and appropriate respirators or masks to avoid inhaling toxic dust or fumes.

Why is Malachite Hazardous?

Malachite is considered toxic primarily because of its heavy metal copper content, but it is only dangerous under specific circumstances.

• Inhalation of Dust: The greatest hazard occurs when raw malachite is cut, ground, or polished. This process releases a fine green dust. Inhaling this dust introduces copper directly into the respiratory system, which can cause severe breathing difficulties, heavy metal poisoning, and respiratory damage.
• Ingestion: Swallowing fragments, licking raw pieces, or consuming liquids that have been infused with malachite can cause severe copper poisoning. Symptoms of acute copper toxicity include abdominal pain, vomiting, and gastrointestinal distress.
• Acids and Elixirs: Malachite is highly sensitive to acids. If it is placed in acidic water, copper can leach out. Because of this, it should never be used to create gem elixirs or crystal infusions intended for drinking.

Is it Safe to Handle?

Yes, polished malachite is safe to touch, wear, or display. The human skin does not readily absorb copper from the solid, polished stone. The mineral only poses a health risk if it is broken down into a fine powder, heated, chemically dissolved, or ingested. If you handle raw, unpolished specimens, it is best practice to wash your hands afterward.