Malachite after Azurite Pseudomorph - Utah

This wild velvety green Malachite specimen represents an interesting geological phenomenon called a pseudomorph. While you might recognize the classic green color of the Malachite, the shape of the crystals on this specimen are unusual, as they display the tabular to prismatic structure of Azurite crystals!

The term pseudomorph means "false form". While both Azurite and Malachite are copper-based minerals often found growing together, this specimen displays a pseudomorph of Malachite after Azurite. This terminology means that a geologic substitution took place where the crystal shape of the original mineral (Azurite) remains, but the internal chemistry has been replaced by Malachite.

A layer of sparkly blue Azurite crystals can also be found along the sides and back of this specimen. It comes pre-mounted on a 1.5 x 1.5" clear acrylic display stand. This fun specimen comes from the Libson Valley area of Utah.