Malachite is a copper carbonate hydroxide mineral. It has a chemical composition of Cu2(CO3)(OH)2. It often forms within limestone where a subsurface chemical environment favourable for the formation of carbonate minerals can occur. It is a substance that can be found in many different parts of the world including: Australia, USA, Russia and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Malachite has historically been used to produce copper, with mining of the mineral dating back over a period of four thousand years. Due to its beautiful green colourations, it is also commonly used for aesthetic purposes such as in the production of sculptures and jewellery. This particular specimen was collected from the town of Burra, South Australia as part of a geological survey undertaken during the nineteenth century. The locality (located on Ngadjuri Country) has a long history of mining, particularly in copper mining, as the area is rich in copper deposits. The first significant discovery of this was made in Burra (Burra Burra Mine) in 1845 and, at the time, the mine was the largest and richest of its kind in the world, producing nearly five percent of the total world copper output. This specimen is significant as it is considered to be a rare gemstone, as many of the original deposits for the stones are significantly depleted, leaving behind very few sources. This specimen is part of a larger collection of geological and mineral specimens collected from around Australia (and some parts of the world) and donated to the Burke Museum between 1868-1880. A large percentage of these specimens were collected in Victoria as part of the Geological Survey of Victoria that begun in 1852 (in response to the Gold Rush) to study and map the geology of Victoria. Collecting geological specimens was an important part of mapping and understanding the scientific makeup of the earth. Many of these specimens were sent to research and collecting organisations across Australia, including the Burke Museum, to educate and encourage further study.A solid palm-sized copper carbonate hydroxide mineral with patterns of green colourations Existing Label: MALACHITE / Locality: Burra / S. Aust. Other Label: Confirmed / as Malachite / C. Willman / 15/4/1 / + Bill Birch burke museum, beechworth, geological, geological specimen, malachite, gemstone, green gemstone, burra, burra burra mine, burra south australia, carbonate mineral, copper, copper mining, copper mining burra, carbonate hydroxide mineral, copper carbonate, malachite mining, malachite burra, monster mine

This specimen is a copper-carbonate malachite mineral. It is often found as crystalline aggregates or crusts, which have a banded agate-like appearance while also commonly found as botryoidal clusters of radiating crystals. Malachite is often bright green in colour, with dark green and blackish blooms or stripes/bands throughout the mineral. This particular specimen was recovered from the Burra Burra Copper Mine located Burra, South Australia. By the 1860's, South Australia was known as the "Copper Kingdom" due to its large amount of copper mines and huge success in the copper mining industry. Burra Burra was no exception to this phenomena, as this mining company was greatly famous and successful, being nicknamed the "Monster Mine". It was first established in 1848 and was the largest metal mine in Australia up until 1860. This specimen is significant as it highlights the historic use and value of malachite and the rarity of the mineral. Malachite is a rare gemstone which has been used in various ways historically. It has been cut and sculpted into beads for jewellery use as its rich colour and distinct yet unique patterns have made it a well sought after gemstone. Its' continued use over time only heightens the value and significance of this mineral.A hand-sized solid copper-carbonate hydroxide mineral specimen in shades of blue, green and copper tones throughout.MALACHITE / (Copper carbonite) / Locality: Burra, South Aust. | Malachite / Burra Burra / South Australia / (good specimen) / needs a wash / BBburke museum, burke museum collection, beechworth museum, beechworth, geological specimen, geological, mineral, mineraology, copper carbonate, malachite, burra burra mine, copper mining

Burra is a town in South Australia's Copper triangle. View of mining remnants at Burra, South Australia from the Burra Lookout.

"DEATH Of MR EDWARD GROSE. General and sincere regret will be felt at the announcement of the death of Mr Edward Grose, formerly one of the proprietors of The Ballarat Star. The sad event took place at the late gentleman's residence, Raglan street north, at 2 p.m. yesterday, in the presence of the members of the family, who were hastily summoned to his bedside on the previous night. Mr Grose had been in indifferent health for several years past, but he was always able to attend to business, and up till a fortnight ago, when he took to his bed, suffering from a severe affection of the kidneys and bronchitis, it was generally considered by those who knew him that he had many years of life before him. Notwithstanding, however, the unremitting attention of Dr Hardy and of Drs Woinsraki and Hudson, who were called in in consultation, be gradually became worse, until a few days ago his case was considered almost hopeless. Mr Grose was highly esteemed amongst a large circle of friends in Ballarat and district for his integrity of character and urbanity of manner, and the news of his death will come as a surprise to the many who knew him and were acquainted with his active and energetic temperament. In 1847 Mr Grose’s parents left Plymouth, England, for Australia, and on the voyage Mr Grose was born. His father, Mr. Thos. Bolitho Grose, who lived to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of his wedding, and died only recently, landed at Adelaide, and was connected for some time with the famous Burra Burra copper mines in South Australia. In 1851, when the Victorian goldfields were discovered, he came to the colony and engaged in mining in Ballarat and Creswick, and at the Mount Alexander, now Castlemaine, field with varying success. Ultimately he brought his wife and two sons to Ballarat, and in 1857 returned to Creswick. In 1862 Mr Edward Grose was apprenticed to the late Mr John Francis to learn printing at the Creswick Advertiser office. The late Mr F. N. Martin then purchased the paper, and on the 1st January, 1871, Mr Grose was admitted into partnership. In July, 1884, Messrs Martin and Grose purchased The Ballarat Star, which they conjointly conducted until a few months ago, when the partnership was dissolved and Mr Martin retired from business. Shortly afterwards Mr Grose also retired, having re-sold his interest to the present proprietors. While resident at Creswick Mr Grose identified himself with all local matters, and was at different times president of the hospital committee, a vice-president and member of the council of the School of Mines, chairman of the local Cemetery Trust, and a prominent member of the Creswick Horticultural Society, while he took an active interest in all charitable institutions. In March, 1873, Mr Grose was married by the late Rev. Robert Kennedy to Miss Robina Orr, the third daughter of the late Mr Archibald Fulton Orr, formerly of Johnstone, Renfrewshire, Scotland, brother of the well-known and popular sportsman, Mr Robert Orr, of this city. Our Creswick correspondent writes:— Much regret was expressed here this evening concerning the lamentable death of Mr Edward Grose. The late Mr Grose had lived the best part of his life in Creswick, where he took an active part in almost every institution in the town, and was greatly respected by all. With the late Mr F. N. Martin, he brought the Advertiser to a high standard, and the fact of the two gentlemen who played such an important part in local history dying within two months of each other has been a subject of considerable and regretful comment. The relatives of the late gentlemen may derive some comfort from the knowledge that they have the entire sympathy of the people of Creswick in their very sad trouble.” The funeral of the deceased will take place on Sunday, leaving his late residence, Raglan street north, at 1 o’clock, for the place of interment, the Creswick Cemetery." {Ballarat Star, 02 July 1897}Photographic portrait of Edward Grose, member of the Old Colonists Association of Ballarat. He was manager of the Ballarat Star. In March 1873 he married Robina Orr, daughter of Archibald Fulton Orr, at Mount Bolton.edward grose, old colonists' association of ballarat, old colonists' club