Highly valued as a gemstone and sculpture for thousands of years, the malachite is a once popular but now somewhat neglected stone, with a varied green color palette and distinct banding. In addition to its beauty, malachite has an array of physical and emotional healing properties, as well as a natural coloring agent. Traditionally, it was one of the first ores used to create metallic copper.
In their book, The Book of Stones: Who They Are and What They Teach (2005), authors and gemstone enthusiasts Naisha Ahsian and Robert Simmons look at the rich history of malachite. They write: "In the Middle Ages, malachite was believed to protect against the evil eye and cure various types of stomach ailments." They add: “Russian tsars used malachite from the important Ural deposit to make ornaments and paneling for their castles, as well as intricate inlays.” And why was malachite so prized "Malachite is one of the most valuable stones for protection from negative energies. It imbues the auric field with positive vibrations and strengthens the natural energetic "shell" which can shield the forces hostile." Therefore, malachite helps protect your well-being..
Since the ancient Egyptians mined it, one of the first uses of malachite was as a mineral pigment in green paints. It was also carved to create decorative objects such as vases – a large malachite vase can be found in the Malachite Room of the State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia. Founded in 1754 by Catherine the Great, the Hermitage is one of the oldest museums in the world.
How to Identify Malachite
Malachite is easily recognizable thanks to its striking green color. The stone is always green, but the shade of green varies greatly, from pastel green to emerald green to black.
Whole malachite gems are rare. Typically, malachite is found in copper deposits, often mixed with azurite. When found whole, it appears as a cauliflower-shaped green rock, although some stones are more refined. Malachite has a mixture of different shades of green and is translucent. Internally, malachite has persistent bands that can also take the form of concentric circles depending on the Size.
Today, malachite is often used in beads jewelry or as a large cabochon on a necklace or ring. Real malachite does not fade over time or when exposed to light. From a retail perspective, there are several characteristics to look for when purchasing malachite. First of all, real malachite is cold, hard and heavy - much heavier than plastic. It will always have a distinctive stripe inside and, throughout, the colors will vary; if the colors are consistent, it most likely means the stone is an imitation. You can also feel the heat of the stone to determine if your malachite is genuine. Like many gemstones, real malachite doesn't get very hot, even if you hold it in your hand for a minute.
It is common for inexpensive jewelry to use fake malachite; many manufacturers opt for plastic or glass imitations. As we mentioned, you can tell the difference between real malachite and fake malachite because imitation malachite is much lighter and, if not already warm to the touch, it will warm up when you touch it. hold in your hand.
The different colors and types of malachite
Some gemstones have dozens of potential color variations, but not malachite. Unless mixed with other copper minerals, malachite is always green and always exhibits concentric bands or circles in varying shades of green, ranging from pastel to emerald to an almost black shade dark green.
Sometimes malachite mixes with other copper minerals like azurite, chrysocolla and turquoise. In this case, the stone becomes an even more favorable color mix, as a palette of varying green tones and blues come together. Mixed malachite will have an irregular tone and, often, irregular patches of green and blue. Turquoise can even have subtle flecks of malachite.
Where is malachite found ?
As mentioned earlier, in their book, Ahsian and Simmons write: "Today, the most important source of malachite is Zaire [Democratic Republic of Congo]. Other malachite deposits are found in Australia, Chile, South Africa and the United States." And they're not wrong. However, rather than having separate malachite mines, which would not be economically viable due to the scarcity of malachite, producers rely on copper mines.
Russia has also been a huge source of malachite. The Demidoff malachite mine in southeastern Russia was once one of the largest malachite mines in the world. At the beginning of the 19th century, the Demidoff malachite mine discovered "the largest mass of malachite ever known", approximately 70 tonnes.
Healing properties of malachite
Firstly, it is essential to only handle malachite in its polished form because in any other form malachite is incredibly toxic - never breathe malachite dust or powder. If you get your hands on a polished malachite gemstone or piece of jewelry, this stone has many physical and emotional healing properties. It is particularly useful for women because malachite helps regulate the menstrual cycle, reduce cramps and even facilitate childbirth; it is often called the midwives' stone. Malachite also helps relieve a variety of common ailments such as cold sweats and digestive issues, as well as motion sickness. On an emotional level, malachite is a stone of transformation; it encourages risk-taking and expression, and builds self-confidence. This gemstone also helps combat depression and anxiety, which will ultimately keep you both healthy and happy.
In summary
Malachite is a breathtaking gemstone, famous for its use in decorative items for thousands of years. It is found in copper mines around the world and has a distinct green palette and attractive bands. When purchasing real malachite, always make sure the stone is cool to the touch, does not get warm when held, and is a little heavy. You can place polished malachite stones on your body or wear malachite jewelry to combat depression and anxiety, as well as to relieve cramps and labor.