Malachite is a green stone belonging to the carbonate family. This popular stone is often used in jewelry and decoration.

Brief History

The name malachite comes from the ancient Greek ¨malachos¨ meaning ´soft¨. Other meanings include ¨malakhe¨, meaning mauve, in reference to mauve silver. Finally, some say that the term comes from the Latin ¨malachite¨ meaning ¨through¨.

Malachite has been used since the dawn of time, by many civilizations, in different periods and for very diverse purposes, for its medicinal beliefs, to decorate objects or for its use in cosmetics and jewelry.

In ancient times, malachite was used for decorative purposes, such as ornamentation or painting, broken into powder for its green pigments. The Egyptians used malachite as a symbol of eternal youth and life after death. It was worn by young pregnant women, who wore the stone around their necks for protection. People associated it with the hippopotamus goddess Thoueris, protector of motherhood. Among the Greeks, malachite was used as a talisman to protect against wounds. The stone was also used to decorate the ornaments of the temple of Artemis.

For the Romans, malachite was associated with protection against the wrath of Zeus. Therefore, the stone was sold as an amulet in times of storm to protect against lightning. Malachite is highly valued in Russia, especially by rulers, and was mainly used as decoration in churches. The stone can be found in the columns of St. Isaacs Cathedral in St. Petersburg. During the Middle Ages, malachite became a protective stone against the evil eye and bad vibes. People used it to protect their children from deadly diseases.

Today, malachite is a well-known and appreciated stone in the world of jewelry.

• Color:Malachite is typically a deep green color, ranging from light green to deep emerald green. It often features bands or streaks of lighter and darker green, creating a distinctive and striking appearance.
• Band Patterns: One of the most notable features of malachite is its banding patterns, which can vary in thickness and intensity. These bands are formed by deposition of copper minerals over time and add to the beauty of the stone.
• Transparency: Malachite is typically opaque, meaning it does not let light through. Its surface may have a shiny or matte finish, depending on how it is polished.
• Hardness: Malachite is relatively soft compared to other gemstones, with a hardness of 3.5 to 4 on the Mohs scale. While it is suitable for jewelry, it can be prone to scratching or chipping.
• Origin: The main deposits of malachite are found in Zambia, Namibia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Australia, Russia, France and Romania.

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