Malachite

Malachite is a copper carbonate mineral known for its vivid green colour and distinctive light and dark green bands and swirls. It forms near the surface of copper deposits, where copper minerals are altered by water and carbon dioxide, and it is often found with azurite, a blue copper carbonate. Malachite and azurite grown together are sold as azurmalachite.

The name comes from the Greek "molochitis lithos", meaning "mallow-green stone", after the leaves of the mallow plant. Malachite has been used since ancient times: the Egyptians mined it in Sinai, ground it into green eye paint and pigment, and called the afterlife the "Field of Malachite". It was used as a green paint pigment in Europe until the early 1800s.

In the 19th century, huge deposits in the Ural Mountains of Russia supplied malachite for grand decorative work, including the Malachite Room in the Winter Palace (Hermitage) in St Petersburg, where columns, vases and furniture were veneered with thin slices of the stone. Today most malachite comes from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zambia.

Malachite is soft (3.5 – 4 on the Mohs scale) and sensitive to acids, heat and household chemicals, so it needs more care than most beads. It is usually sold untreated, though some stones are stabilised with resin. Imitations include dyed or printed stone, glass and plastic, and "reconstituted" malachite made from crushed material bonded with resin. Dust from cutting and polishing malachite is harmful if breathed in, but finished, polished beads are safe to wear.

Malachite at a glance

Caring for malachite

Malachite is soft (3.5 – 4 on the Mohs scale) and easily scratched, so it is best for earrings, pendants and necklaces rather than rings and bracelets that take knocks. Clean it with a soft, damp cloth only; avoid soaking it, and never use ultrasonic or steam cleaners. Keep it away from acids, perfume, hairspray, cleaning products and heat, all of which can dull or damage the surface. Store it separately in a soft pouch.

In folklore

The beliefs below are traditional folklore, included for interest. They are not scientifically proven, and nothing here is medical advice.

In the Middle Ages, malachite was worn as an amulet to protect children from danger and illness, and pieces were attached to infants' cradles to keep away evil spirits and bring sound sleep. In parts of Europe it was believed to protect against the "evil eye" and was said to break into pieces to warn of approaching danger. Ancient Egyptians associated green malachite with fertility, rebirth and the goddess Hathor. Malachite is associated with the zodiac signs Scorpio and Capricorn.

Malachite is traditionally regarded as a powerful protective and transformational stone. Crystal healing lore holds that it absorbs negative energy, encourages change and emotional growth, and helps the wearer let go of old patterns. It is also associated with the heart, with balance and with courage. It is linked to the heart chakra.

Related stones

Azurite, azurmalachite, chrysocolla, turquoise and eilat stone (a natural mix of copper minerals). Stones that can look similar include green banded agate (dyed), variscite and fluorite, as well as glass, plastic and reconstituted imitations.

For the technically minded

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