Description

Quartz is the second most common mineral in the Earth’s continental crust.  It is mainly composed of Silica or Silica based minerals.  Although Quartz is known by a variety of names, the most important distinction between types of Quartz is that of macro-crystalline, individual crystals visible to the unaided eye, and micro-crystalline, where aggregates of crystals are only visible under high magnification.  There are many forms of Quartz including Chalcedony, Amethyst, Citrine, and Carnelian which are results of mineral impurities or heat treatments.

Malachite is a Copper Carbonate mineral that often forms botryoidal, fibrous or stalagmitic masses.  It is often the result of the weathering of Copper Ores and is commonly found with Azurite, Goethite and Calcite.  It is typically associated with Copper deposits including Limestone which is the source of the Carbonate.  Malachite is found in many regions worldwide and is usually shaded green in color.