AllMineralsRock
Agate Vs. Malachite
Agate is a very popular gemstone composed of silicon dioxide.[1] Malachite is also a very popular gemstone and its chemical composition is copper carbonate.[2]
Quick Facts on Differences of Agate and Malachite
For a quick recap of the differences agate and malachite:- While both agate and malachite can be opaque or translucent, agate can be transparent.
- In terms of crystallography, agate can be hexagonal or trigonal while malachite is monoclinic.
- For chemical formulas, agate is SiO2 while malachite is Cu2CO3(OH)2.
- While both agate and malachite can be vitreous, in terms of luster, agate can be greasy or waxy and malachite can be adamantine, dull or silky.
- Agate streaks white while malachite streaks green or light green.
- Agate can be commonly red or white while malachite can be commonly green.
- Agate's rarity is less rare than malachite.
- Agate's hardness is higher than malachite - agate ranges from 6.5 to 7 and malachite ranges from 3.5 to 4.5 on the Moh's scale.
- Agate's specific gravity is lower than malachite - agate ranges from 2.6 to 2.64 and malachite ranges from 3.6 to 4.05.
Summary of Agate
Agate is a mineral that belongs to the quartz family. It is typically found in volcanic rocks and is characterized by its banded appearance, which is caused by the deposition of different minerals in layers. The mineral is identified by its hardness, which ranges from 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, and its translucent to opaque appearance. While agate is typically associated with shades of brown and gray, it can also be found in a variety of colors, including blue, green, pink, purple, and red.Summary of Malachite
Malachite is a mineral that is known for its beautiful green color. It is a secondary mineral that forms as a result of the weathering and oxidation of copper minerals. Malachite is typically found in copper deposits and is often associated with azurite, another copper mineral. It is commonly found in Africa, Russia, and Australia.Table Comparison of Agate vs Malachite
| Agate (src) | Malachite (src) | |
|---|---|---|
| Transparency | transparent, translucent, opaque | translucent, opaque |
| Chemical Formula | SiO2 | Cu2CO3(OH)2 |
| Chemical Composition | silicon dioxide | copper carbonate |
| Specific Gravity | 2.6, 2.64 | 3.6, 4.05 |
| Hardness | 6.5, 7 | 3.5, 4.5 |
| Streak | white | light green, green |
| Crystallography | hexagonal, trigonal | monoclinic |
| Refractive Index | 1.53, 1.543 | 1.85 |
| Hydrous | No | No |
| Colors | common: red, white sometimes: blue, gray, pink, black, brown, green, banded, orange, purple, yellow, multicolor |
common: green sometimes: black less common: band, yellow |
| Category | chalcedony | carbonate |
| Fracture | conchoidal, uneven | splintery, subconchoidal, uneven |