Malachite

Malachite is a green opaque gem. It crystallize in the monocline system.

The name comes from the Greek MALAKE’, that means mallow, of which it has the color of the leafs. Its main characteristic is the curved bands pattern in several green tones, from light to dark one. the color is given by the main component, copper, in the past it’s used to be found in deposits near to this metal. Thanks to its colour is considered the gem symbol of hope, love and faith.

 

The hardness is 3 and a half on the Mohs scale and, because sometimes it is found in big blocks, is quite often carved to get cameos, art crafts and statuettes.

The toughness is quite low, that’s why it must be handled with care. It can be ruined by chemicals, especially acids. It is also quite sensitive to heat and hot water.

In the past the main source of Malachite used to be Russia, but now new deposits are in Africa, Australia and USA. The best samples come from Shaba, Kenia.

Sometimes is found along with the stone Azurite; the match create a stone called Azurmalachite.

In nature it is found in microcrystalline clusters consisting of fine needles. The exact scientific term that describes its natural form is Botroydal, which refers to its irregular nodules growth in concentric layers, which, once cut, show the banding pattern that characterizes it.

Historically, it has always been a popular gemstone since the ancient Greeks and Romans, who used it for carvings and ornaments that we can still see today. In Latin culture it used to be associated with the Goddess Venus, they believed it can help to reunify lovers and also console those who have lost their loved one.

Was also used as an amulet to protect the owner from danger and especially to protect children, since the time of Solinus it was suggested to put it directly in the cradle of infants; also, to be placed near the woman womb to support conception and childbirth. According to ancient beliefs it  could be pulverized and dissolved in milk to help with heart disease, or mixed with honey and applied to wounds to promote healing.

When  in the 18th century rich deposits were found in Russia, the mineral became the favorite ornamental stone by the court of the Tsar. An example of this are the great pillars of the church of St. Isaac in Leningrad.

Malachite is considered a semi-precious gemstone and maybe this is the reason why nobody never created a synthetic version, but in the market there are many other cheaper alternatives, such as plastic, glass or dyed agate.

The only type of treatment that is applied to enhance the appearance is the impregnation with mineral oils to make the surface shiny and smooth.