RocksdayMalachite vs Seraphinite
How to tell them apart
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
A dark green variety of clinochlore with feathery, silvery chatoyant patterns.
Photo: Ra'ike (see also: de:Benutzer:Ra'ike), CC BY 3.0
Quick tests
- Fingernail: A fingernail scratches Seraphinite (Mohs 2–2.5) but not Malachite (Mohs 3.5–4).
- Acid (vinegar or dilute HCl): Malachite fizzes; Seraphinite doesn't.
- Streak (rub on unglazed porcelain): Malachite leaves a light green streak; Seraphinite leaves greenish white.
- Heft: Malachite feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 3.6–4.05 vs 2.6–3).
Key differences
- Malachite is brighter green with concentric bands.
Side by side
| Property | Malachite | Seraphinite |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Mineral | Mineral |
| Mohs hardness | 3.5–4 | 2–2.5 |
| Luster | Silky to dull | Silky to pearly |
| Streak | Light green | Greenish white |
| Colors | Green | Green, Silver |
| Crystal system | Monoclinic | Monoclinic |
| Specific gravity | 3.6–4.05 | 2.6–3 |
| Formula | Cu₂CO₃(OH)₂ | (Mg,Fe)₅Al(Si₃Al)O₁₀(OH)₈ |
| Found in | Katanga, DR Congo; Ural Mountains, Russia | Lake Baikal region, Siberia, Russia |
Properties that are the same for both are grayed out.
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 →How to identify seraphinite
- Deep green with silver feather-like flashes.
- Patterns shimmer as it moves.
- Soft — a knife scratches it easily.
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Full Seraphinite guide →More comparisons
Could you tell them apart from a blurry close-up?
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