Per the Gemstones of the World 5th Edition by Walter Schumann: "The name Malachite is probably derived from the green color (Greek – malache = mallow), perhaps from its low hardness (Greek – malakos = soft). In fracture or when cut, aggregates show a banding of light and dark layers with concentric rings, straight stripes, or other figurative shapes caused by its shell-like formation. . . [t]he coloring agent is copper. . . [f]ormed from copper-containing solutions in or near copper ore deposits.”

Sources:

Malachite can be found in Romania, Zambia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Russia, and the Middle East. It also occurs in combination with Azurite as Azure-Malachite or as Eilat Stone which is found in Eilat, Israel and is an intergrowth of Chrysocolla, Turquoise, and Malachite.

Care of Malachite:

Because it is a softer stone, Malachite's is easily scratched and sometimes becomes dull. The surface can be hardened with artificial resin. Store your Malachite jewelry in a soft container and when wearing, try to keep the stone from contacting harder substances.

Metaphysical Properties:

According to the Crystal Bible by Judy Hall, "Malachite amplifies both positive and negative energies. It grounds spiritual energies onto the planet . . . psychologically, Malachite is a stone of transformation. Life is lived more intensely under the influence of this adventurous stone, which encourages risk-taking and change. It mercilessly shows what is blocking your spiritual growth. Malachite draws out deep feelings and psychosomatic causes, breaks unwanted ties and outworn patterns, and teaches how to take responsibility for one’s actions, thoughts, and feelings. It releases inhibitions and encourages expressing feeling. This stone develops empathy with other people, showing how it would feel to be in their place. It alleviates shyness and supports friendships. "

Physical Properties:

Per the Gemstones of the World 5th Edition by Walter Schumann: "

• Color: light to black-green, banded
• Color of streak: light green
• Mohs' hardness: 3.5 - 4
• Density: 3.25 – 4.10
• Cleavage: Perfect
• Fracture: Splintery, scaly
• Crystal system: (Monoclinic) small, long prismatic, usually aggregate
• Chemical composition: Cu2[(OH)2|CO3]
• Transparency: Translucent, opaque
• Refractive index: 1.655-1.5909
• Double refraction: -0.254
• Dispersion: None
• Pleochroism: Absent
• Absorption: Not diagnostic
• Fluorescence: None

I have some Malachite earrings already in my online store. I have four Malachite pendants (shown in photo) and I plan to utilize them in the near future. I wonder what I’ll make??? Hmmmmm, check back and see!.

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