Malachite

Malachite is safe to handle in its finished, polished state, but excessive exposure to its dust may lead to heavy metal poisoning. When cutting or polishing malachite, wear a dust mask to minimize dust inhalation. Store it in a sealed container in a well-ventilated area, away from children and pets. For those involved in crystal healing, never put it in your mouth.

Weight is a decisive factor affecting the price of malachite. The price of a tumbled stone about 2.5 cm across is usually $3-$10/piece.

The poor toughness of malachite is attributed to its perfect cleavage and fibrous crystal habit, rendering it prone to breakage upon impact.

Malachite's susceptibility to water, heat, staining substances, and household chemicals indicates that it requires careful handling for daily use. Its sensitivity in these areas makes it less ideal for frequent wear or use without protective measures.

Malachite often results from the weathering of copper ores, and is often found with azurite (Cu3(CO3)2(OH)2), goethite, and calcite. Except for its vibrant green color, the properties of malachite are similar to those of azurite and aggregates of the two minerals occur frequently. Malachite is more common than azurite and is typically associated with copper deposits around limestones, the source of the carbonate. Large quantities of malachite have been mined in the Urals, Russia. Ural malachite is not being mined at present, but G.N Vertushkova reports the possible discovery of new deposits of malachite in the Urals. It is found worldwide including in the Democratic Republic of the Congo; Gabon; Zambia; Tsumeb, Namibia; Mexico; Broken Hill, New South Wales; Lyon, France; Timna Valley, Israel; and the Southwestern United States, most notably in Arizona.

Malachite crystallizes in the monoclinic system. The structure consists of chains of alternating Cu ions and OH ions, with a net positive charge, woven between isolated triangular CO3 ions. Thus each copper ion is conjugated to two hydroxyl ions and two carbonate ions; each hydroxyl ion is conjugated with two copper ions; and each carbonate ion is conjugated with six copper ions.

The attractive malachite has been mined for thousands of years. Over 4000 years ago, the mineral was already being used for copper production. It also has had, and continues to have, many decorative roles, being used to produce gemstones, sculptures, and especially pigments.

According to a legend, malachite was a favorite gemstone of Cleopatra, who was buried with a vase made of green malachite. In medieval times, this stone was used as protection against evil and bad spirits. It was usually hanged above baby cribs to keep children protected. The ancient Egyptians would engrave a picture of the sun into the stone to protect the wearer from evil spirits.

The stone's name derives (via Latin: molochītis, Middle French: melochite, and Middle English melochites) from Greek Μολοχίτης λίθος molochites lithos, "mallow-green stone", from μολόχη molochē, variant of μαλάχη malāchē, "mallow". The mineral was given this name due to its resemblance to the leaves of the mallow plant. Malachite was extensively mined at the Great Orme Mines in Britain 3,800 years ago, using stone and bone tools. Archaeological evidence indicates that mining activity ended c. 600 BCE, with up to 1,760 tonnes of copper being produced from the mined Malachite. Archaeological evidence indicates that the mineral has been mined and smelted to obtain copper at Timna Valley in Israel for more than 3,000 years. Since then, malachite has been used as both an ornamental stone and as a gemstone.

The stone's name derives (via Latin: molochītis, Middle French: melochite, and Middle English melochites) from Greek Μολοχίτης λίθος molochites lithos, "mallow-green stone", from μολόχη molochē, variant of μαλάχη malāchē, "mallow". The mineral was given this name due to its resemblance to the leaves of the mallow plant.

Malachite is a powerful stone used to shield the user from negative energy that affects the mind, body, and spirit. It helps to balance the emotions. Many use it to enhance creativity, imagination, and intuition. Exploring these abilities can bring a greater sense of satisfaction and joy to a person's life.