Malachite

What is Malachite?

Malachite is among the most recognizable luxury gemstones available around the world. Its vivid, bright green hue with distinctive streaks makes it more gorgeous.

Origin of the Malachite

Malachite is a copper carbonate hydroxide mineral with the chemical formula of Cu2CO3(OH)2. Its name is a derivation of the Greek word “molochitis lithos,” meaning “mallow green.” The word originates from the “mallow” plant, which has a distinctive green colour similar to the colour of Malachite stone.

How is Malachite formed?

Malachite is a form of oxidation of primary sulfidic copper ores and supergene weathering. This oxidation is often found with Azurite, Calcite and Goethite.

Malachite frequently occurs in association with Azurite stone. Malachite is typically a pseudomorph of malachite. It is typically associated with deposits of copper around limestones. So, malachite is the end product of this transformation and is more common than the Azurite.

Where are Malachite found?

Malachite is found in many parts of the world, including the Urals in Russia, Gavon, Namibia, Tsumeb, Zambia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, New South Wales, Broken Hill, France, Mexico, Burra, South Australia, Arizona and the other Southwestern United States.

Malachite was mined extensively for over 3,000 years at the Great Orme Mines in Britain and Timna Valley in Israel.

Malachite Colour

Mostly Malachite gemstones are formed in the bright green shade with streaks of a lighter and darker tone. Sometimes, this beautiful gemstone may appear in a blackish green hue and sometimes in a yellowish-green tone.

Malachite Composition

Malachite is a composition of copper carbonate hydroxide mineral.

Malachite Clarity and Lustre

Adamantine to vitreous; silky if fibrous; dull to earthy if massive

Malachite usually appears as adamantine to vitreous and silky if it is fibrous. If Malachite is massive, it varies from dull to earthy.

What are the properties of the Malachite?

• Category: Carbonate mineral
• Chemical Classification: Cu2CO3(OH)2
• Specific Gravity: 3.6 to 4
• Hardness: 3.5 to 4.0 (Mohs Scale)
• Fracture: Subconchoidal to uneven
• Diaphaneity: Translucent to opaque
• Birefringence: δ = 0.254

Malachite Zodiac Birthstone and Chakra

Malachite is associated with Taurus and Sagittarius zodiac signs. Plus, it has a strong link with both the throat chakra and heart chakra. As a result, you accept love and spread love.

What are the Benefits of the Malachite?

Malachite is a stone that provides protection. It is beneficial to prevent negative energy from the body and atmosphere. It defends all kinds of radiation and relaxes the mind.

What Jewellery is Malachite suitable for?

Malachite is an amazing luxury gemstone with vivid green colour that looks so rich. That is why they are used often in the making of tribal jewellery, contemporary designs as well as vintage jewellery designs. Hence, Malachite gemstones are suitable for necklaces, earrings, pendants, brooches, rings and anything you can imagine.