Marvellous Malachite
Malachite is a stunning semi-precious stone which displays gorgeous leafy green hues topped with stunning swirls, orbs, and eye-like patterns.
Let's learn all about the various properties of Malachite:
What Is Malachite Made Of?
Malachite is a copper carbonate hydroxide mineral, often found in limestone deposits (the carbon source) alongside azurite and other minerals.
Deep inside caves, Malachite usually forms in botryoidal (grape-like) clusters or as stalactites.
Although similar in patterning to many Agates, Malachite is not a form of Agate.
This green semi precious stone is often polished to form stunning green gemstones.
Where Does Malachite Come From?
Malachite can be found in locations worldwide, including Arizona in the USA, and Australia.
Malachite from Madagascan Direct is sourced from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, one of the most important modern suppliers of Malachite.
Malachite History
Malachite, along with Lapis Lazuli, is one of the oldest stones known to human civilisation, and was revered in many ancient cultures worldwide.
Malachite In Ancient Egypt
In Ancient Egypt, Malachite was highly valued as a stone representing life, death, and re-birth.
The tombs of pharaohs and other Ancient Egyptian royalty were discovered to be heavily decorated with Malachite mined from the Suez.
It was believed that Malachite could aid safe passage into the after-life, and the after-life itself for this reason was sometimes referred to as the Fields of Malachite.
Malachite In Painting
Malachite was used historically as a pigment for green paint, and was used widely in European paintings in the 15th and 16th centuries.
Malachite as a pigment was also used to make eye-shadow in ancient Egypt.
Malachite Superstitions
Malachite was also spiritually important in the Middle Ages, and was crafted into talismans to ward off evil spirits, to protect the wearer, and to help children sleep.
Malachite Decorative Uses
Malachite historically has been a popular stone to craft into gemstones and jewellery, owing to its striking colours and patterns.
Malachite was particularly popular in Russia in the 19th century, where it was heavily mined from the Ural Mountains and used by tsars to decorate their opulent palaces with furniture sculpted from the stone.
The most famous example of this is perhaps the aptly named Malachite Room of the Winter Palace, in St Petersburg, Russia.
Malachite Industry Uses
In the past, Malachite was an important copper ore used to produce copper metal: however Malachite is not so commonly used industrially anymore.
Malachite Crystal Healing Properties
Malachite has been used as a protection stone for millennia, and is a perfect stone to take travelling with you if you are in need of an extra boost of confidence and protection.
Malachite is also known in crystal healing as a growth crystal: its green colouring is strongly symbolic of growth, fertility, and the essence of life itself.
For this reason, Malachite is a great stone for those interested in boosting their personal development, as well as their connection to nature.
In Feng Shui, Malachite embodies the spirit of wood energy: regeneration, rejuvenation, and nourishment.
Malachite Chakras
Malachite is strongly associated with the Heart Chakra: this stone exudes a gentle, loving energy that nurtures compassion for others and self-love.
Peaceful and tranquil like the leaves it resembles, Malachite is a wonderful stress-reliever.
How Hard Is Malachite?
Measuring 3.5 to 4 on the Mohs scale, Malachite is a relatively soft mineral and great care should be taken whilst handling and storing it to ensure its surface does not become damaged.
Malachite Collections
Malachite would be a great birthstone gift for anyone born in Spring, or for anyone with the Taurus Zodiac sign.
Buy Malachite online now at Madagascan Direct