Malachite and Atacamite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
  
Brittle
  
Solubility
Not Available
  
Not Available
  
Durability
Not Available
  
Not Available
  
Specific Gravity
3.25-4.10
  
3.745-3.776
  
Fracture
Conchoidal, Conchoidal, Gemstones (2009), Uneven
  
Conchoidal, Conchoidal, Brittle
  
Cleavage
Perfect on { 2 01} fair on {010}
  
Perfect on {010}, fair on {101}
  
Mohs Hardness
3.5-4
  
3-3.5
  
Chemical Composition
Cu2CO3(OH)2
  
Cu2Cl(OH)3
  
Malachite and Atacamite Chemical Formula
While comparing Malachite and Atacamite physical properties, the important data you should know is its chemical composition. Since chemical formula defines the molecular structure of the crystal, most of the physical properties like color, tenacity, solubility are governed by Malachite and Atacamite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Malachite- Cu2CO3(OH)2
- Chemical formula of Atacamite- Cu2Cl(OH)3
Malachite and Atacamite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Malachite and Atacamite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Malachite and Atacamite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Malachite is 3.745-3.776 whereas that of Atacamite is 3.745-3.776.