Comparison · Minerals
Atacamite vs Malachite
Atacamite and Malachite are easy to confuse because both are minerals. Both sit near Mohs 3–3.5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Atacamite and Malachite
- Both sit near Mohs 3–3.5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
- Streak color differs: Atacamite leaves a apple green streak on unglazed porcelain, Malachite leaves pale green.
- Luster is different: Atacamite is vitreous to adamantine while Malachite is silky.
- Hold a thin edge to the light: Atacamite is Transparent to translucent, Malachite is opaque.
- They overlap in green, but Malachite also comes in multicolored.
- Well-formed crystals give it away: Atacamite is Orthorhombic, Malachite is monoclinic.
Atacamite vs Malachite properties
| Property | Atacamite | Malachite |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Minerals | Minerals |
| Mohs hardness | 3–3.5 | 4 |
| Luster | Vitreous to adamantine | silky |
| Streak | Apple green | Pale green |
| Transparency | Transparent to translucent | opaque |
| Specific gravity | 3.75–3.77 | 4 |
| Crystal system | Orthorhombic | monoclinic |
| Common colors | Bright green, Dark green | Green, Dark Green, Banded Green |
| Rarity | common | common |
| Typical specimen value | $2–$150+ | $5–$200+ |
Which is more valuable?
Malachite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $30 against $20 for Atacamite, and premium Malachite can reach $200 or more.
About Atacamite
Atacamite is a copper chloride hydroxide mineral, Cu2Cl(OH)3, that forms a striking emerald to blackish-green secondary mineral in the oxidized zones of copper deposits. It takes its name from the Atacama Desert of Chile, where it was first described and where arid conditions allow chloride-bearing copper minerals to persist rather than being washed away. Atacamite is notable among copper minerals for containing structural chlorine, which ties its formation to saline or coastal environments.
About Malachite
Malachite is a vibrant green copper carbonate mineral known for its distinctive banded patterns. It has been used as a gemstone and pigment for thousands of years.
Atacamite vs Malachite FAQ
Is Atacamite the same as Malachite?
No. Both are minerals, but they are distinct species with different hardness, streak or luster. Both sit near Mohs 3–3.5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
How can you tell Atacamite from Malachite?
Both sit near Mohs 3–3.5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Streak color differs: Atacamite leaves a apple green streak on unglazed porcelain, Malachite leaves pale green. Luster is different: Atacamite is vitreous to adamantine while Malachite is silky.
Which is harder, Atacamite or Malachite?
Malachite is harder: Mohs 4 against Mohs 3–3.5 for Atacamite.
Which is more valuable, Atacamite or Malachite?
Malachite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $30 against $20 for Atacamite, and premium Malachite can reach $200 or more.
