There is an ancient legend: if you press a malachite stone to the body, you can become invisible and learn to understand the language of animals. No other mineral on earth possesses such magical characteristics. In addition to magical and healing properties, the green patterned gem is one of the most beautiful and popular in the world: it is used to make real works of art, unique jewelry and was used for interior decoration of palaces. Let's take a closer look at malachite in this article.
What is this stone
In Russia, malachite was one of the first to be mined on an industrial scale. Not only jewelry and the interior of palaces were made from it, but also copper.
There were many names. Especially often malachite was called a curly or peacock stone for its patterning and play of green hues.
The Ural mines are the place where malachite was mined in Russia, where it was processed, making amazingly beautiful mosaics, vases, and caskets.
Bazhov's work "Malachite Box" is a hallmark of magical malachite. Semi-precious or ornamental stone belongs to copper ores, since it is copper in it that has the highest percentage.
Widespread in places of oxidation of copper deposits.
The surface of the gem is a non-repeating pattern: waves, transitions of shades, stains, "eyes", dark rings, stripes.
Often, malachite deposits are the precursors of copper ore deposits. Its “neighbor” is considered to be azurite, which, according to observations, subsequently also turns into malachite.
Previously, the mineral was very expensive, it was considered precious. There are quite a lot of its deposits, and therefore the price is relatively low.
Now it is actively used in jewelry, stone-cutting art, it is presented as a gift at government receptions.
History of origin
The first deposits date back more than 6 thousand years and are located in Africa (north and central part).
It is known that stone was originally used to make tools. And only then they began to use it in jewelry.
Malachite also served as a source of copper mining.
Different countries have their own stories about the charming and mysterious malachite:
- The gem was especially revered in ancient Egypt. It was believed that he is a symbol of the goddess Hathor, who brought fertility to people, was responsible for female attractiveness and happiness in family life. In Rome, the goddess Venus.
- In India Malachite is considered a stone that can completely cleanse the subtle bodies and energy centers (chakras) of a person.
As jewelry, malachite began to be used already during the Middle Ages. Then other methods of copper mining were invented, and large deposits in Europe began to be depleted.
Popularity was gained not only by decorations, but also by the mosaic method of finishing interior decoration (tables, columns, doors).
The method of Russian mosaic, reminiscent of lace, opened up new possibilities for the use of stone. Thin plates, when connected, made charming patterns.
Wall panels, vases and caskets were also created. However, there are very few objects in the world carved from solid pieces of malachite, since large sizes are not characteristic of the mineral.
But even small fragments have viscosity and softness, which makes malachite one of the most convenient stones for processing.
The style of Russian mosaic became known far beyond the borders of Russia, starting from the 1830s. It was then that Demidov, a Russian industrialist engaged in stone mining, presented amazing malachite products to a wide range of people.
And the exhibition, held in 1850, made the mineral world-famous as a jewelry stone used to decorate the interior and manufacture luxury items.
In mineralogy, malachite officially received its place in 1747 thanks to a scientist from Sweden.
Over time, samples of malachite of lower quality began to be used to obtain turquoise-colored paint. She painted the roofs of houses, the outer parts of buildings and used in painting.
The value of the stone
Until now, mineralogists from different countries are arguing about the origin of the name of the stone.
There are several well-known versions:
- Malachite comes from the Greek μολόχη - poplar, mallow, by analogy with patterned patterns with plant leaves.
- The name was obtained due to the softness of the mineral, derived from the Greek word malakos - soft.
- In ancient times in Russia and in the Middle Ages, the Latin name "Molochites" was used, which had the synonymous form "Murrin".
- Until the XNUMXth century in the circle of pundits, it was customary to name malachite - Melochiles, Melochites, Molochites (from Latin). The mineralogist from Sweden, Vallerius, suggested calling it "Malachite".
- On the territory of Russia for a long time (until the XNUMXth century) the mineral was called "Malakhid" and "Malakid". And the popular names are curly stone, peacock eye and velvet ore.
physical properties
The famous green tones are given to the stone by copper, the amount of which can reach at least 57% (Cu). And additional colors are obtained from the impurity of iron. CO2 (carbon dioxide) - 19,9%, H2O (oxygen) - 8,2%,
The mineral is very easy to scratch and break. It is soluble in acids, in this process it releases carbon dioxide.
Distinctive characteristic features are low hardness and viscosity, which simplify processing.
The original name in science is copper bicarbonate green.
Features:
| Chemical formula | Cu2CO3(OH)2 |
| Impurities | Fe (iron) |
| Color, trait | All shades of green, from bluish-turquoise to rich tones, the brightness depends on the density. |
| Brilliance | Opaque, the crystals are glassy, if aggregates or fine-fibered crystals, then silky, "velvet". |
| Cleavage | Perfect |
| Mohs hardness | 3,5 – 4 |
| Density | 3,75 - 3,95 g/cm3 |
| Kink | Splintery, shelly |
| Syngonia | Monoclinic |
| Transparency | Not transparent |
| Refractive index | 1,656 – 1,909 |
The structure of the crystals is acicular, prismatic or lamellar. If there is a mechanical effect, then the crystals take on a spherical or dendroid shape.
Melts from high temperature. It is very problematic to meet well-formed crystals: basically, they are small and rare.
Malachite deposits
Earlier in Russia, malachite was mined in huge quantities (until 1917). Now the reserves are practically exhausted, and small-scale mining remains at Baikal.
A gem is also supplied from the Korovinsko-Reshetnikovskoye deposit and Altai.
The most active production and export is carried out in the Congo. The stones from there have a characteristic bright pattern and a cylindrical pattern.
There are several other deposits in the world, but not so large:
- France;
- Germany;
- Kazakhstan;
- England (county of Cornwall);
- Australia;
- Italy;
- Namibia;
- Chile.
African malachite has bright hues and alternating light and dark stripes of green color, which makes the stone original with a spectacular color scheme.
Varieties of malachite
When classifying malachite, the pattern, pattern and texture are taken into account. Some stones are suitable only for copper mining, but others are interesting enough to be used for jewelry.
This table will help you understand the groups:
| Name | Description |
Views:
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Pseudomorphoses, aggregates, compounds with other minerals:
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The composition of minerals is similar to malachite. Often they grow together and represent monolithic original specimens.
They are used for the manufacture of decorative items in a single copy, which are especially highly valued.
Malachite + other breeds
After the connection, crystals are obtained, which include several gems:
Calcite - malachite
It is a mixture of gypsum, malachite and calcite.
Azurmalachite
One of the most popular combinations, characterized by an interesting greenish-blue tint. Both elements grow together, forming one crystal.
star malachite
Spots of rounded malachite interspersed in chalcedony.
Agate - malachite
The latter is expressed in spots of a greenish tone, looks beautiful in the general structure of jasper.
Eilat stone
Combination of 3 minerals: malachite, chrysocolla and azurite. The stone has a dark saturated green color with bluish patches.
Lapis - malachite
This is a duo of quartz and malachite.
Mysoreen
An original gem combining malachite, chrysocolla and calcite.
There is also pressed malachite, which is obtained artificially: small pieces are combined into a single stone using technologies that use high pressure.
Magical properties
Since the discovery of malachite, many unique magical properties have been attributed to the stone, which are described in many ancient legends. Sorcerers and magicians recognized that the gem fulfills desires, acts as a conductor between our world and other worlds of the Universe.
Ancient legends describe the mysterious disappearances and appearances of people, cases when a person became invisible. It was also believed that if you drink a drink from a malachite vessel, you will be able to understand the language of animals.
Malachite was considered a stone of nature, a forest gem - it was the forest that endowed the mineral with its power. Therefore, travelers wandering through the forest thickets took this gem with them. It was believed that the nugget protected a person from predators, arrows of savages, helped to find the right path among animal paths.
The stone also has a dangerous side. It is not recommended to wear it for a long time, since the mineral awakens the natural animal nature in a person - intuition begins to prevail over logic, instant muscle reaction overshadows prudence and thinking, self-control gives way to free expression of feelings.
In addition, mediums believe that the danger of malachite for women is expressed in the ability of the gem to attract men. At the same time, there is no division of people into good or bad. - the mineral attracts boyfriends of any kind to the owner.
This is fraught with the fact that the young lady may be in the hands of a not very decent man. You can protect yourself from this by wearing jewelry in a silver frame - this metal will help protect a woman from aggression, neutralizing the negative desires of men. In addition, silver enhances all the magical abilities of the mineral.
In the modern world, malachite acts as an assistant to speakers, artists, all purposeful individuals who want to succeed. The stone makes such people more confident, more eloquent. Businessmen can also enlist the support of a nugget by placing a malachite memento on their desktop. Such a thing will attract good luck in business, directing success to business development.
It is interesting! One of the old legends says that malachite is able to warn the owner of danger. Signaling trouble, the mineral breaks into small pieces.
The gem gives inspiration and new ideas to creative people, becoming a friend for poets, artists, sculptors. This amazing mineral helps to get rid of fears, calm thoughts and soul, relieve stress. Having eliminated all blockages, the gem helps to find new ways to achieve goals.
Talismans and charms
In ancient Egypt, amulets were made for children to improve sleep and calm. It was believed that the stone scares away evil spirits.
And in the Urals, a green patterned gem is considered a stone of joy and happiness. Products with malachite especially help people with a good heart and pure intentions.
You can have a mineral even without cutting. It is great for meditation. It is better to purchase a stone in spring or summer, then it will help and support, give strength.
Acquired in autumn and winter - carries the energy of withering.
Medicinal properties
Malachite is famous for its wide spectrum of action on various diseases of the human body. Modern folk healers know several directions in which the healing power of the stone spreads.
It is interesting! According to ancient legend, once in Egypt, during the era of the Old Kingdom, an epidemic of cholera raged. Only the slaves who worked in the mines of malachite did not succumb to the disease. Since then, the Egyptians of the upper class have worn malachite bracelets, highly revering the healing power of the stone.
Lithotherapy knows a number of diseases that can be treated with malachite:
- Bronchial asthma. When wearing malachite jewelry on the chest, the attacks of the disease are softened, their number decreases. Help comes with other lung diseases.
- Skin diseases. Mineral powder is sprinkled on areas of the skin affected by allergic rashes - this eliminates redness, itching, and promotes the healing of allergy foci.
- Eye diseases. Earrings with malachite help to improve vision, normalize eye pressure, improve the work of the optic nerve.
- neurological abnormalities. The interior of the house is filled with malachite crafts - the color of the stone has a calming effect on the psyche, normalizes the functioning of the nervous system, eliminating the symptoms of the disease.
- Rheumatism. For treatment, healers used malachite plates, applying them to diseased areas. This procedure helped to reduce the severity and pain in problem areas.
- Distractedness, lack of concentration. Any object made of malachite placed on the desktop will help to cope with such a problem.
- Pressure. Malachite lowers blood pressure, so it is categorically contraindicated in hypotensive patients. But for hypertensive patients, this is a kind of lifeline.
- Strengthening hair. Hairpins and combs made of stone will help strengthen hair follicles, improve hair structure, and accelerate their growth.
Some healers tend to believe that malachite slows down the spread of metastases in oncological diseases. To do this, you must regularly carry a large gem with you.
It is worth noting that the healing capabilities are stronger for a light, very bright stone. And if you send such a mineral to copper, then its healing power will increase significantly.
Who is suitable for the sign of the zodiac
Astrologers attribute malachite to the minerals of the earth element. Protects the gem Saturn. The mineral has a positive attitude towards all signs of the zodiac circle, not counting Virgo, Cancer and Scorpio. The personal qualities of people born under these signs are incompatible with the nature of a nugget. For each of the other constellations, malachite plays a role:
- Libra will become more charming and attractive, gain eloquence.
- Aries will become more restrained, suppressing impulsiveness and stubbornness.
- Taurus will gain a clear understanding of reality, ceasing to look everywhere and in everything for the causes of failure.
- Libra malachite will give unambiguity, not allowing to succumb to a changeable mood. Also, representatives of the sign will receive protection from evil forces.
- Sagittarius become great friends, teachers, mentors, easily sharing their knowledge with others.
- Capricorns will become wiser. With a talisman, they are provided with a sound healthy sleep.
- Aquarius will learn to forget past grievances, letting go of disappointment, and will not be afraid of new failures.
- Pisces will be able to concentrate on the first priority, gain clarity of thought and the ability to choose the right path.
Malachite is great for all people of creativity. The magical properties of the mineral are enhanced in a copper or silver setting. Any sign can enhance charm, attractiveness, generating sympathy. It is only necessary to know about the powers of the stone and believe in them.
("+++" - the stone fits perfectly, "+" - can be worn, "-" - absolutely contraindicated):
| Zodiac sign | Compatibility |
|---|---|
| Aries | + |
| Taurus | + |
| Gemini | + |
| Cancer | — |
| a lion | + |
| Virgo | — |
| Scales | + |
| Scorpio | — |
| Sagittarius | + |
| Capricorn | + |
| Aquarius | + |
| Pisces | + |
Jewelry with malachite
Malachite is rarely combined with gold. More suitable for the mineral as a cut is silver, cupronickel or copper. Jewelry is equally suitable for men and women.
For the latter, these are earrings, bracelets, necklaces, beads, rings (wear only on the middle finger of the left hand or on the little finger).
For the male half, you can buy checkers, figurines, cufflinks, watches with thin cupronickel plates inside, backgammon, checkers and chess.
Other uses of stone
Products made of malachite look especially beautiful in any interior, giving it aristocracy: it can be figurines, vases, candlesticks, lamps and boxes, ashtrays.
In ancient times, they learned how to make lining from thin plates, cover surfaces with malachite (tables, columns, etc.), but now such work is no longer carried out due to the depletion of deposits.
How to wear and care
Malachite is a stone of spring, the beginning of flowering, the beginning of the very life of nature. Therefore, it is best to purchase malachite jewelry in spring or summer, not later than August, then the mineral will be most magically strong. If you buy a gem in autumn or winter, it will not carry life force, but the energy of withering.
Wearing jewelry does not require any special rules. Beads and bracelets are worn as you like, and rings - only on the middle finger of the left hand or on the little finger. As for the requirements for the image, here you need to be guided exclusively by the general rules of color combinations. Do not forget about the compatibility of stones with each other when choosing jewelry to pair with malachite.
Important! If malachite is used for medicinal purposes, the stone must be "cleansed" after each use. To do this, you need to place the mineral in the ground at night, you can put it in a pot of flowers. The next morning the stone will be ready for the next application. Do not forget also once every lunar month to change the earth, which is used for purification.
Remember about care, accuracy of use, because malachite is a fragile stone. The mineral does not tolerate shocks, sudden temperature changes, it is easy to scratch it or leave a chip on the surface. A soft cloth and mild soapy water will do for cleaning. It is also worth protecting the gem from the effects of acids and household chemicals.
The price of products with malachite
Malachite is considered an ornamental stone, so its price is low - approximately $5 per gram. The stone is used for cladding decor items, carved souvenirs, amulets, crafts are made from larger samples.
To create jewelry, beads of various shapes and sizes are made. So, you can buy handmade products from different masters. Or buy jewelry at affordable prices in online stores:
- Earrings start from 8-9 euros.
- The bracelet can be purchased for 10-70 euros.
- Beads are slightly more expensive, the price depends on the size of the beads and the length of the product - the average price is 80 euros.
In some stores you can buy a set of jewelry - a ring and earrings. The cost of such a set starts from 25 euros. If there is a desire to make jewelry yourself, for example, beads, then the price of a set of beads will be 2 times lower than the price of a finished product - about 20-30 euros.
How to distinguish from fakes
The mineral is not considered expensive, it is rarely faked. But still, here, too, scammers can deceive if they don’t know how to distinguish natural malachite from artificial.
Rules:
- Glass does not heat up if it is applied to the skin, and malachite immediately becomes warm.
- The mineral is easily scratched with a piece of glass or a needle.
- There are no ideal lines and symmetry on a real mineral. This is the main difference. Upon close examination, the surface of a fake will be perfectly flat, while malachite will have cracks and crevices.
You can also find more professional imitations:
- Pressed crumb of malachite, combined into a stone.
- Artificially grown malachite, which is obtained in laboratories. Only a professional with special equipment can distinguish it from the real one.
What stones are combined with
The combination of malachite and diamond is beauty, and only
Malachite is "friends" with minerals of the "fiery" element: ruby, pyrope и diamond.
But other minerals can become “neighbors”:
Neutral neighborhood with amethyst, chrysoprase, beryl and rock crystal.
Interesting Facts
- In ancient times, fashionistas used crushed malachite as eye shadow. And for rituals, shamans covered the body with malachite powder.
- If you dream that you are acquiring a malachite box, in reality you will have to meet an unpleasant person.
- Bad dreams with this stone (crashed, product broken) portend illness and failure. Jewelry promises good luck and success.
- A huge malachite weighing 500 kg is in the Mining Institute.
- You can admire the Malachite Room in the Winter Palace (designed by A.P. Bryullov in 1838-39), as well as the columns in St. Isaac's Cathedral (St. Petersburg).
