What is Malachite?

Malachite is popular gemstone that displays bands and bulls-eyes in various shades of green. When you pick up a piece of Malachite you will immediately sense a distinct weighty feel. The green color and weighty feel of this stone are both a result of copper. Malachite is an ore of copper and the metal gives it a specific gravity that is about 50% higher than most other gemstones. Malachite has been used as a gemstone for nearly 6000 years. It is very popular when it is cut into beads, cabochons and used to produce sculptures or small carvings. Malachite has a low hardness compared to most other gemstones. Its hardness of 3.5 to 4.5 on the Mohs scale and its ability to cleave easily makes it a stone that is best suited for uses that will not be subject to impact and abrasion – such as pendants, earrings, pins, and bolos. Many lapidaries believe that it is too soft to serve as a good ringstone or belt buckle. Most of the gemstone-grade Malachite used today is produced in Zaire, Australia, Namibia, Russia and Arizona. It is usually found associated with deposits of copper ore.

The Metaphysical Powers of Malachite:

Malachite is a stone that should not be used for physical healing. Malachite has been called the “mirror of the soul”. It is variable in its condition. It reaches the inner feelings of the person and reflects what is there, negative or positive. It is so beautiful that one would like to wear it in jewelry, but caution must be used when wearing Malachite. It will always reflect how you feel, if you feel negative don’t wear Malachite. It reminds us that we have a dual nature and it is up to each person to know and rule his own person. To help get rid of nightmares, keep a piece of Malachite in your bedroom.

General Information About Malachite:

• Color: Bright green with dark green and black markings.
• Hardness: 3.5 – 4
• Optical Properties: Translucent to opaque
• Luster: Dull to earthy
• Cleavage: Perfect in one direction, fair in another.
• Crystal Properties: Monoclinic
• Specific Gravity: 3.6 – 4
• Mineral / Rock Type: A copper carbonate mineral.
• Healing Properties: None scientifically proven.
• Other Properties: Color patterns often a result of botryoidal and stalactitic habits.