Malachite is a secondary mineral that is usually collected in association with copper mining or the weathering of copper ore. It is often found in copper deposits around limestone and together with Azurite, Calcite and Goethite. Malachite and Azurite aggregates are common.
On the Market
Malachite is found worldwide in Africa, France, Israel, Mexico, Australia and in the US. Large quantities of malachite were once mined in the Urals, Russia.
In ancient Egypt it was believed that the afterlife held an eternal, green paradise referred to as the ‘Field of Malachite,’ and archeological evidence indicates that Malachite was mined at Timna Valley in Israel to be used in the smelting of Copper. The stone was mined using stone tools at the Great Orme mines in Britain. During the 18th Century, Malachite was so popular that the Russian royal family used it in the Hermitage to panel rooms and had their artisans create massive decorative objects like vases with it.
Metaphysical Properties of Malachite
Malachite is thought to be a stone of abundance, balance, and intention. The stone absorbs energy and draws emotions to the surface to clear and activates the flow of energy through the chakras. It is extremely powerful and often called the “stone of transformation.” Malachite is used to clean the energy and discharge negativity to bring positive transformation to the wearer. Because Malachite amplifies both positive and negative energy, it is best used in small doses. Malachite is one of the most important healing stones, and helps the user acknowledge and let go of patterns, traumas, and suppressed feelings and assist in discovering energy blocks that may be causing physical distress.
Malachite Treatments
Malachite was used as pigment for green paint, but the copper content of the dust released during sanding or grinding is toxic. It is soft and easy to carve or cut, but take care with Malachite — always work in ample amounts of water and wear a particulate respirator.
Malachite Gems and Jewelry
Lower quality material is often stabilized with resins or polymer and the surface coated with wax to preserve the polish and enhance the color. Hardness from layer to layer varies in Malachite and the stone should be protected from acids, ammonia, pressure and heat. Never steam clean or use an ultrasonic to clean Malachite.
