Malachite and Caledonite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
Brittle
Solubility
Not Available
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
3.25-4.10
5.6-5.76
Fracture
Conchoidal, Conchoidal, Gemstones (2009), Uneven
Uneven, UnevenAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
Cleavage
Perfect on { 2 01} fair on {010}
[001] perfect; [100] distinct
Mohs Hardness
3.5-4
2.5-3
Chemical Composition
Cu2CO3(OH)2
Pb 5Cu 2(SO 4) 3(CO 3)(OH) 6Anthony et al , Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
Malachite and Caledonite Chemical Formula
While comparing Malachite and Caledonite 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 Caledonite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Malachite- Cu2CO3(OH)2
- Chemical formula of Caledonite- Pb 5Cu 2(SO 4) 3(CO 3)(OH) 6Anthony et al , Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
Malachite and Caledonite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Malachite and Caledonite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Malachite and Caledonite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Malachite is 5.6-5.76 whereas that of Caledonite is 5.6-5.76.