RocksdayAnnabergite vs Malachite
The quickest way to tell Annabergite from Malachite: A fingernail scratches Annabergite (Mohs 1.5–2.5) but not Malachite (Mohs 3.5–4).
Apple-green nickel arsenate, the nickel version of pink erythrite. It stains rock where nickel ores weather.
Photo: Didier Descouens, CC BY-SA 3.0
A vivid green copper carbonate with bold light-and-dark banding. It forms where copper deposits weather near the surface.
Photo: JJ Harrison (https://www.jjharrison.com.au/), CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick tests
- Fingernail: A fingernail scratches Annabergite (Mohs 1.5–2.5) but not Malachite (Mohs 3.5–4).
- Acid (vinegar or dilute HCl): Malachite fizzes; Annabergite doesn't.
- Streak (rub on unglazed porcelain): Annabergite leaves a white streak; Malachite leaves light green.
Key differences
- Malachite is a harder green copper carbonate and fizzes.
Side by side
| Property | Annabergite | Malachite |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Mineral | Mineral |
| Mohs hardness | 1.5–2.5 | 3.5–4 |
| Luster | Pearly to vitreous | Silky to dull |
| Streak | White | Light green |
| Colors | Green | Green |
| Crystal system | Monoclinic | Monoclinic |
| Specific gravity | 3–3.1 | 3.6–4.05 |
| Formula | Ni₃(AsO₄)₂·8H₂O | Cu₂CO₃(OH)₂ |
| Found in | Annaberg, Germany; Laurium, Greece | Katanga, DR Congo; Ural Mountains, Russia |
Properties that are the same for both are grayed out.
How to identify annabergite
- Pale apple-green crusts or tiny crystals.
- Very soft.
- On dark nickel ore, not the crimson of cobalt bloom.
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Full Annabergite guide →How to identify malachite
- Bright green with concentric light/dark bands.
- Fizzes in acid.
- Feels heavy for a stone.
- Light green streak.
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Full Malachite guide →More comparisons
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between annabergite and malachite?
Annabergite is a mineral with a Mohs hardness of 1.5–2.5 and a pearly to vitreous luster, usually green. Malachite is a mineral with a Mohs hardness of 3.5–4 and a silky to dull luster, usually green.
How can you tell annabergite from malachite?
A fingernail scratches Annabergite (Mohs 1.5–2.5) but not Malachite (Mohs 3.5–4). Malachite fizzes; Annabergite doesn't. Annabergite leaves a white streak; Malachite leaves light green. Malachite is a harder green copper carbonate and fizzes.
Could you tell them apart from a blurry close-up?
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