One of the more outlandish looking minerals due to the warping bands of deeply saturated green color, Malachite was an essential component in early human life. Malachite is believed to be the earliest ore of Copper used by humans and was mined in the Sinai and eastern deserts of Egypt approximately 5,000 years ago. It was also used for aesthetic purposes as well, and crushed Malachite was repurposed as eye paint, wall paint, glazes, and in the coloring of glass. Once larger deposits of workable Copper ore was found, Malachite was primarily used for ornamental and spiritual purposes.

The low Mohs score of Malachite has led to it being a popular carving medium, like seen with this Rhinoceros. The stone is able to obtain a high-shine polish and won’t fade in color over time, allowing the stunning piece to last a lifetime.

This Malachite Rhino is 13 inches long, 3.75 inches wide, and 5.75 inches tall. Due to the weight and fragility of the carving, it is Pickup Only from the Houston Museum of Natural Science Hermann Park location.