MALACHITE
Transformation & leadership
Malachite is a beautiful green gemstone, characterised by a unique pattern of wavy bands throughout the stone. It get its name from the Greek word for the Mallow plant, "molochitus", due to the similarity between the Malachite and the plant's leaves.
Read along to learn more about the powerful gemstone's symbolism, metaphysichal powers, history, and gemmology.
MALACHITE
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SYMBOLISM
Malachite is the gemstone of loyalty, leadership, wisdom, balance and peace. It is also associated with transformation and is said to have a healing quality that removes negative energy and balances body and soul. Therefore, malachite can be a good companion for someone who is going through changes.
Learn more about symbolism in our large gemstone encyclopedia
SPIRITUALITY
Malachite is often referred to as the stone of transformation because it supposedly helps uncover & heal emotional pain by absorbing it itself. Malachite is said to be able to provide great peace and insight to the wearer who is going through personal growth, starting a new job or moving.
Malachite is said to stimulate the Heart chakra, which is the core of love and all the emotions you have as a human being. Here, Malachite is said to remove negative energies, which makes room for more love.
HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR JEWELLERY WITH MALACHITE
Malachite is a softer gemstone, and is more fragile to scratches than the hard gemstones. Therefore, always remove your jewellery with Malachite when you sleep, take a shower and do housework such as gardening, washing dishes, etc.
When you need to clean your jewellery with Malachite, use warm water, a mild soap and a soft brush or cloth to polish the stone and remove dirt. Rinse with water and let the jewellery dry. It is not recommended to use an ultrasonic cleaner or steam on a Malachite.
Remember that you can always have your Carré jewellery professionally cleaned at your Carré store.
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Many cultures throughout history have valued Malachite. The green gemstone has been used as a protective amulet since ancient times, and is believed to have been mined in Egypt as far back as 3,000 years BC. The ancient Egyptians used malachite for ornaments and jewellery, but also ground the gemstone into powder that was used in cosmetics and as a pigment in paint. Malachite was also particularly popular with the Russian tsars in the 20th century, who had sculptures, vases and a whole room in the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg dedicated to the precious stone.
LEGENDS
In ancient Greece, it was believed that Malachite could protect one from illness if the gemstone was placed under the pillow while sleeping or if it was worn around the clock. In ancient Egypt, Malachite was associated with death and resurrection, as well as new life and fertility. There was also a widespread belief that the afterlife was similar to their earthly life, but was without pain and suffering, and referred to this place as the "Fields of Malachite"
GEMMOLOGY OF MALACHITE
Malachite is known for its deep green color and formations of bright bands. Malachite can also be found in blue and yellow colors, depending on which elements it is affected by during its formation. The precious stone typically occurs in the cracks of a limestone and is found close to copper mines - it also gets its green color from this element.
Malachite is mined in many places around the world, but the largest deposits are found in Russia and Zambia, but can also be mined in Australia, Chile, Congo, Germany, France, Greece, Israel, Pakistan and the USA. When measuring the hardness of a gemstone, the Mohs Hardness Scale is used. The scale goes from 1-10, with 10 being the hardest. Malachite is a relatively soft gemstone, and measures between 3.5 - 4 on the Mohs Hardness Scale.
MALACHITE
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AMAZONITE
Hope & truth
RUTILE QUARTZ
Development & independence
SMOKEY QUARTZ
Calm, stability & cleansing
CHAMPAGNE QUARTZ
Clarity & manifestation