[Rockhounds] Concerning malachite and pseudomalachite from Brown's Prospect, Rum Jungle, Australia

[Timothy Blackwood]

Hi,


I will be receiving a specimen of pyromorphite on malachite/pseudomalachite with chrysocolla from Brown's prospect, Rum Jungle, Australia, in the not too distant future. The green mineral, in lighter and darker shades, was identified as malachite...but may also be pseudomalachite. The specimen is from the late 1970s finds at the locality.


The green mineral occurs as lighter colored balls of finer crystals, while the darker balls consist of larger, more distinct crystals. I know that malachite and pseudomalachite can be separated using HCl. Are there any visual cues, like the presence or absence of larger crystals? And will vinegar be strong enough to elicit a response from the malachite? I really don't want to do anything that might cause damage to the piece. Thanks in advance. 😊


Best wishes,

Tim


Timothy J. Blackwood
E-mail: Tim_Blackwood1 at hotmail.com<mailto:Tim_Blackwood1 at hotmail.com>
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