Scientific

Malachite is a secondary copper mineral found in the oxidized zones of copper deposits.  It is found worldwide both separately and in conjunction with azurite and chrysocolla.  Malachite is a copper carbonate hydroxide with the formula Cu2CO3 (OH), by weight it is 58% copper.  It is much more common than azurite and is a deep green in color.  It is generally found as massive, botryoidal or stalactitic shapes.  Crystals are often tabular to prismatic and are generally deeper in color ranging to nearly black.  Common secondary copper minerals are azurite also a copper carbonate, chrysocolla a copper silicate, and turquoise a copper phosphate.

USE

Malachite has been mined and smelted for copper for centuries.  The Great Orme Mines in Britain were mined 3800 years ago and estimated to have produced 1,760 tons of copper.  It was also mined in the Timna Valley in Israel as early as 4000 B.C.    Malachite is relatively soft, 3.5 to 4 on the Mohs scale, but is prized for its vibrant color and patterns. It takes a high polish and is often cut into cabochons, beads, carvings, and decorative stoneware.    Malachite has been ground up and used as green pigment for eye shadow and paints for centuries until replaced in the 1800’s by its synthetic form, verditer.  As a pigment it is relatively light fast, but sensitive to acids and varies in color.

Meaning

Historically, malachite has been used as a sleep aid for young children, worn for protection from lightning and contagious diseases.  It is an important stone in resisting negative energies as it projects positive vibrations to strengthen the auric field to screen out hostile forces. It guards against radiation of all kinds including electromagnetic pollution