What is malachite?
Malachite, from the Greek word Mallache, meaning “green”, is one of the most attractive stones. Malachite is identified by its malachite green color and typical bands. It is the stone of hope and good fortune, a symbol of eternal youth and mysterious charm.
A long history as an amulet
Malachite has an intense green luster, a unique pattern and lots of mysterious legends. It was believed by the ancient Romans to possess divine powers, with the effect of warding off evil, uplifting the spirit and defending peace.
As far back as 4,000 years ago, the ancient Egyptians mined the mines between Suez and Sinai to excavate malachite and use such beautiful stones as an amulet for children, believing that hanging a malachite on a child’s cradle would ward off all evil spirits.
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In some parts of Germany, it is believed that wearing malachite protects people against the threat of death. In this case, malachite also serves as an amulet.
In ancient China, malachite was made into all kinds of jewelry, but because of its high price, ordinary people were not able to wear it. As early as the thirteenth century B.C., malachite was already used in Yin Dynasty to make hairpins.
Malachite properties: intense malachite green, unique patterns, brittle and fragile
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Malachite, from the Greek word Mallache, meaning “green”, is one of the most attractive of the minerals. Malachite is identified by its malachite green color and typical bands, very special meanings and strong healing powers!
The malachite color
Malachite can be green, malachite green, dark green, etc. It is often banded and has a silky or glassy luster, seems transparent to opaque. Refractive index 1.66-1.91, birefringence 0.25, hardness 3.5-4.5, density 3.54-4.1 g/cm3. Malachite is brittle, reacts with hydrochloric acid, and is easily dissolved.
Malachite Green is beautiful, toxic and not related to this gemstone
Malachite Green is a toxic triphenylmethane chemical that acts as both a dye and a fungicide which can cause cancer.
There are generally two types of malachite green. The first is a naturally occurring ore of hydrated alkaline copper carbonate [Cu(OH)2 CO3 or 2CUOCO2H2O], a bright green or grass green mass that is used primarily in copper refining and pigmentation.
The second is Malachite Green Dyestuff, also known as Anillne Green, China Green, Victorla Green, etc. It is a synthetic organic compound that can be used as a biological dye to stain cells or cellular tissues blue-green for microscopic study; Malachite Green Dyestuff is also used as a dye for silk, leather and paper; it can also be used to treat parasitic, fungal or bacterial infections of fish or fish eggs.
Although called malachite green, it has nothing to do with malachite. The only thing the two have in common is their similar color.
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Current mining sites of such a green stone
While historically quality malachite originated mainly from the Urals of the former Soviet Union, currently quality malachite is produced mainly in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Zaire. In addition, malachite is also produced in China, the United States, Australia, France, Chile, the United Kingdom and Romania.
Value and pricing: intense, unique, fragile and affordable
Malachite has a vivid bluish green color and is one of the most attractive materials in the nature. Malachite green is the purest and most intense green, which makes this precious gemstone even more special.
At the same time, this green gemstone has intensely colored stripes, a one-of-a-kind beauty which can not be found in any other gemstones. This is the reason why there are few imitations.
No two malachite stones are the same.
Each malachite has a texture that is unique in the world, so you don’t have to worry about buying the same malachite as anyone else. In fact, the quality of this beautiful stone is judged primarily by its color and texture. The finer the texture and the more vibrant the color, the better the quality.
Malachite is a little more delicate than glass.
Malachite is a little more delicate than glass. Although it is a stone, it is not as hard and solid as a stone. In fact, it is not tough at all and very fragile. When dealing with such gemstones we should avoid collision.
Therefore, the design of malachite jewelry needs to be based on exquisite craftsmanship. Otherwise, even if the design is excellent, we can not show the beauty of the stone as we want; on the contrary, improper handling can easily lead to breakage, which is tantamount to a waste.
Malachite also cannot come in contact with acidic and alkaline substances, which can easily damage the shine of the surface. So, look carefully at the jewelry in the counter, each piece of malachite with a flat bottom is primed with black onyx, which acts as a part of contact with the skin or clothes to prevent the malachite from being damaged by sweat or other substances.
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Malachite meanings
Malachite has a very special meaning: the happiness of a wife. We love malachite not only because of the beautiful blessings it contains, but also because of its beautiful veins.
Malachite is the stone of hope and good fortune. In fact, the famous “malachite color” is one of the most ancient and mysterious colors, which means “hope”, a symbol of eternal youth and mysterious charm.
Malachite healing properties
Malachite is one of the oldest healing stones. As early as 4,000 years ago the Egyptians mined malachite in the mines of Suez and Sinai, believing that this precious gem could protect children from evil spirits.
In Europe, malachite’s characteristic eye shape was also believed to protect the soul from the threat of death. In India and China, again, this eye pattern is regarded as an important symbol for removing curses and warding off parasites, which is why shamans seek malachite for its protective powers.
Malachite has antioxidant properties.
It contains natural copper, which activates the natural antioxidant enzymes (SOD) in the skin, thus maximizing the antioxidant effect. Wearing malachite jewelry slows down the formation of skin cuticles, and leads to a delicate and soft skin.
Disinfection and regeneration, decay and renewal.
Malachite has the ability to detoxify. Toxins, both physical and emotional, can be eliminated by malachite. Ancient Egyptians used to grind malachite into a powder and apply it to festering wounds to heal them.
When there is a major trauma or physical pain, we can feel incredible relief by holding or applying malachite to the affected area. However, malachite itself also tends to look dull from absorbing too many toxins.
Malachite absorbs the pain into itself and gives us the power to move forward. Just like in the Indian legend, the mythical malachite king who eats poisonous snakes, insects and herbs daily, malachite sucks all the filth of the world into its own belly and removes the toxins and grief from our hearts.
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Malachite use: How to take advantage of the healing properties of malachite?
Malachite can be used to deal with deep emotional trauma, such as wearing a malachite necklace; we can also use the energy of malachite to feel alive and beloved, without fear or worry.
Malachite can also be used on people who are grieving or have lost a loved one or pet, or on married people who have very little confidence, to help them rediscover the inner beauty and become more confident.
Malachite can also be used on areas of the body to relieve pain. In such cases, the mineral tends to dull quickly; when malachite is completely dull and loses its luster, we should know that the energy has been exhausted. At this point it is recommended to bury it in the mountains and forests so it could return to Mother Earth.
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How to choose high quality malachite?
First of all, when picking malachite we need to check the color. It is very important. We need to choose malachite green, which is a best color and thus has a higher value. This is the primary consideration in choosing malachite.
Secondly, when we choose malachite, it is best to look for malachite with no impurities. The price of impurity malachite is relatively low. But malachite without impurities is more beautiful and has a higher value.
After that, we also need to see if the surface has a clear pattern when selecting malachite. Malachite with a clear and obvious pattern is better, as they look better and have a much higher collection value.
Then, we also need to check the luster, which means we need to see whether the surface is smooth. If the surface is smooth, then the luster and the gloss will be better too.
Finally, when we pick malachite, we also need to look carefully if there are cracks. Generally there will be a little crack. Do not think that this is abnormal. In fact the opposite, this is normal and we need to pick malachite with less cracks.
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Where to buy malachite stones and malachite jewelry?
If you want to buy malachite stones and malachite jewelry ranging from $0.5-$100, you can check Etsy. You can buy a raw malachite stone, malachite beads or malachite jewelry, like a malachite ring, a malachite necklace and a malachite bracelet that are affordable and of high quality and have them delivered to your house fast.
Alternatively, if you want to buy high end malachite jewelry ranging from $100-$2000, you can check Farfetch. They have luxury brands like Gucci, Prada, Boucheron, Cartier, Chopard, David Morris, De Beers as well as designer brands that are unique and less well-known. You can also have all the products delivered to your home.
Cleansing and purification
Pay attention if you want to cleanse or purify a malachite stone. Because of its special properties, you can not use water, as is recommended for other stones, or corrosive objects like salt. The best way to purify malachite is to use crystal cluster. If you don’t have any crystal cluster, crushed crystals work too.
Place it on a crystal cluster
Cleansing and purifying with a crystal cluster is the easiest and most convenient method. The crystal cluster itself has a very strong energy. It can not only purify the stone, but also charge it. All we need to do is to place the stone on the crystal cluster overnight.
Care and maintenance
Avoid collision: Malachite has a low hardness and will crack or break if it is hit hard. Therefore, malachite should be protected from hard objects and should be stored separately avoid scratches and friction with other jewelry.
Avoid heat and sunlight: Malachite has the characteristic of thermal expansion and contraction. So we should also avoid keeping it in a hot environment to avoid cracking, drying out and losing its luster, which affects its beauty and value.
Avoid acids and alkalis: Malachite reacts with acidic and alkaline chemicals. Therefore, we should always protect this gem from cosmetics or other things which contain acid or alkali.
Regular cleaning and care: Malachite needs regular cleaning and care! To keep malachite shiny, regular cleaning is important.
We can use warm water or tea to clean malachite, dip a cotton cloth into the water, wipe the gemstone gently and slowly, then wipe again with a soft dry cloth and lastly put the gem in a dark place to store. This is because the chemical composition of malachite is alkaline copper carbonate, which is easy to react with acid and alkali substances.
Place in a relatively well-ventilated and humid environment.
Malachite contains water, so it is important that we protect it from light and heat and place it in a relatively well-ventilated and humid environment.
Previously, researchers had subjected freshly mined malachite to bright light. Within a week, the malachite’s original plush texture weakened and loosened and its bright color faded. This shows that malachite must be placed in a relatively well-ventilated and humid environment, which is conducive to its maintenance and collection.
Conclusion
Thank you for reading this article, I hope it helps you get the information needed. Feel to share your thoughts below or check other articles on gemstones that we have published: Everything you need to know about sapphire.
Featured image: Dior
