Pseudomalachite
A variety of Minerals
What is Pseudomalachite?
Pseudomalachite is a phosphate of copper with hydroxyl, named from the Greek for “false” and “malachite”, because of its similarity in appearance to the carbonate mineral malachite, Cu2(CO3)(OH)2. Both are green coloured secondary minerals found in oxidised zones of copper deposits, often associated with each other. Pseudomalachite is polymorphous with reichenbachite and ludjibaite. It was discovered in 1813. Prior to 1950 it was thought that dihydrite, lunnite, ehlite, tagilite and prasin were separate mineral species, but Berry analysed specimens labelled with these names from several museums, and found that they were in fact pseudomalachite. The old names are no longer recognised by the IMA.
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Pseudomalachite before comparing listings or appraisals.
Size & Weight
Larger, intact specimens usually command higher prices.
Rarity & Demand
Scarce material or popular varieties sell at a premium.
Condition & Finish
Chips, repairs, and heavy wear lower value; clean prep helps.
Treatment & Provenance
Untreated specimens with documented locality are prized.
Pseudomalachite Localities Map
See where Pseudomalachite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Key Characteristics
Composition of Pseudomalachite
The copper ions are co-ordinated by six oxygen ions to form distorted octahedra. These octahedra are linked by sharing edges to form two distinct types of infinite chains, parallel to b. The chains are linked alternately, again by sharing octahedral edges, to form sheets parallel to the bc plane. Distorted phosphate tetrahedra link the sheets, and there is some doubt about the exact position of the hydrogen ions in the structure.
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Blue-green, green, dark green, green-black; green to bluish green in transmitted light.
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 4 - 4.5
- Density
- 3.95 g/cm³
- Streak
- Blue-green
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- Cu5(PO4)2(OH)4
- Elements
- Cu, H, O, P
Also Known As
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Pseudomalachite FAQs
How do I identify Pseudomalachite?
Pseudomalachite can be identified by its hardness of 4 - 4.5 on the Mohs scale, Blue-green color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Pseudomalachite?
Pseudomalachite typically appears in Blue-green, green, dark green, green-black; green to bluish green in transmitted light.. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Pseudomalachite?
Pseudomalachite has a hardness of 4 - 4.5 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.
What is the composition of pseudomalachite of Pseudomalachite?
The copper ions are co-ordinated by six oxygen ions to form distorted octahedra. These octahedra are linked by sharing edges to form two distinct types of infinite chains, parallel to b. The chains are linked alternately, again by sharing octahedral edges, to form sheets parallel to the bc plane. Distorted phosphate tetrahedra link the sheets, and there is some doubt about the exact position of the hydrogen ions in the structure.
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