Malachite symbolizes calm, transformation and protection. In crystal healing, it invites to surpass oneself and to take risks. Discover the history, components, texture and energies of malachite and be mesmerized by its spirals and sublime shades of green.
Rich in stories and legends, malachite is a stone that has been used by men for several thousand years. The Egyptians were the first to use it to protect pregnant women. To benefit from protection during their pregnancy, Egyptian women used to wear a malachite stone around their neck.
Indeed, malachite was associated with Thueris, the hippopotamus goddess who protected motherhood. For the Egyptians, malachite was the symbol of rebirth, eternal youth and life after death. Among the Greeks, the malachite stone was used to protect against injury.
Soldiers wore it as an amulet around their neck or wrist. In Ephesus, malachite stones were inlaid on the decorative objects and ornaments of the temple of Artemis.
In ancient times, malachite stone was ground into powder and used in various iconographic paintings. The metallic pigment of which it is composed has a very high sensitivity to acids and light.
The predominance of green is due to the copper contained inside. In Russia, malachite stone has always been used by the tsars as a decorative stone. In St. Petersburg, St. Isaac's Cathedral can attest to this through the columns of the iconostasis.
In the Middle Ages, malachite was used as a shield to fight against the evil eye and all harmful energies. In particular, it was used to protect children from deadly diseases.
According to their beliefs, the Romans believed that malachite stone protected against lightning. Thus, the Romans strongly recommended to the children to be equipped with a talisman or a pendant malachite to be able to protect themselves from it.
Today, the malachite stone is used to make jewelry such as necklace of malachite beads, but also bracelet of malachite beads. This fine stone is used to make ornamental objects. It is not uncommon to see it inlaid in objects, columns, cups, tables, etc..
It has taken a prominent place in contemporary art but also in art in general. It is particularly found in Russia, in transpositions where art is fully expressed.
At present, it is widely used in the manufacture of cosmetics. Indeed, malachite has its detoxifying and antioxidant virtues which are particularly interesting for the skin.
Derived from its Latin name "malachites" meaning "through" and the ancient Greek "malakhê" meaning "mallow", the malachite stone inherited this name because of its strong green resemblance to the leaves of the mallow. It is possible to find malachite under the following names: green carbonated copper, copper green, green chrysocolla, etc.
It is also possible to find it with azurite, under the well-known name of azurite-malachite stone. Chemically composed of copper carbonate hydroxide, malachite stone belongs to the carbonate group. Its hardness varies between 3.5 and 4 on the Mohs scale, making it a soft stone. Its density varies between 3.65 and 4.05. Its crystal system is monoclinic.
One must be very careful with malachite, because due to its hardness, it is very fragile and this makes it a very sensitive stone to heat or other liquid substances. In addition, it scratches quite easily. Malachite stone reacts to hydrochloric acid by effervescing. It is a stone that can be significantly soluble in water containing carbon dioxide.
Fascinatingly beautiful, malachite is prized for its exceptional color, which ranges from pale green to the most intense green. In its natural state, it offers a sparkling and captivating relief.
When polished, concentric rings and ribbon-like patterns can be seen, further enhancing its sublime shades of green. This stone forms naturally in copper deposits. About 6000 years ago, it was already exploited in the copper deposits of the eastern countries.
Today, the main deposits of malachite stone are located in Australia, Brazil, Chile, Congo, the United States, France, Italy, Israel, Rhodesia, Russia and Zaire. Precisely in the Congo, malachite shines and is nicknamed the "star", for the magnificence of its pearls when mounted in necklaces or when it composes very beautiful bracelets.
On the mental level, the malachite stone is a natural stone which reassures and gives assurance. It reinforces the capacity of the person who wears it in matters of persuasion, bringing a structured, composed and concise speech. The malachite carries in its properties and virtues the protection.
This stone allows to develop considerably the positive energy, but also to absorb the negative energy. It protects by this means. In crystal healing, the malachite stone is frequently used at the level of the heart chakra to restore the balance of the soul.
It brings a body balance and opens the heart. Malachite also brings clairvoyance on the people with whom we may or may not bond. It removes anxieties and fears from the soul in favor of compassion, discernment and wholeness.
Malachite allows for transformation, change and risk-taking. In everyday life, wearing malachite harmonizes your relationships with others, but also in a difficult family environment. Negative and polluting waves will be absorbed by malachite. In general, this stone opens all the chakras.
Very used in meditation, it allows the one who uses it to interpret his dreams. Malachite is a stone that facilitates the expression of feelings. Its green color inspires hope and serenity. If you have trouble falling asleep because your mind is so restless, you can place a malachite on your bedside table or under your pillow.
In addition to helping you find sleep, it will protect you from nightmares and harmful waves throughout the night. Finally, for hyperactive people or magnetizers, malachite allows to absorb the energy which has not been evacuated. It is thus ideal to rebalance the body energy.
On a physical level, malachite stone soothes most pains, whether they are of nervous, muscular or articular origin. In case of targeted pain, you can put the stone directly on the area in question to benefit from a quick relief.
Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, it helps fight fever, headaches and painful periods. Malachite gets its anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and anti-infectious properties from its high copper content.
By soothing your ailments, the malachite stone accompanies you in a process of soft and natural healing. In a general way, it regulates blood circulation and facilitates the elimination of toxins from the body. Slightly stimulating, malachite can help you work on your endurance.
As such, athletes can use this mineral to promote good muscle health, to benefit from a boost in energy, but also to take advantage of its protective properties.
In addition, it promotes tissue regeneration and cell detoxification. Finally, its positive action on the whole body allows to reinforce the immune system of those who wear it daily.
On the spiritual level, malachite stone acts mainly on the heart chakra. Located in the center of the chest and the 7 chakras, the heart chakra is an essential link between spiritual and material energies. Because of its central position, the heart chakra plays a vital role in the balance of all the other chakras.
Considered the home of universal love, the Heart Chakra promotes purity, sincerity and tenderness. When the heart chakra is closed or out of balance, it manifests itself as hypersensitivity, self-centeredness, irrational fears and a kind of insensitivity to love.
Very often, this chakra closes following an emotional shock such as a break-up or a death.
However, it never remains permanently closed. The first thing to do to open it is to become aware of and accept the wounds of the past. The second is to work on opening it with soft, protective green minerals such as malachite.
When the heart chakra is open and in perfect harmony with the other chakras, it promotes inner peace, serenity of mind, benevolence, unconditional love and joy of life. It helps you to communicate, cooperate and trust.
Naturally, it improves the quality of your relationships with your loved ones and makes you feel light, as if on a small cloud of happiness. To multiply the virtues of a malachite pendant when worn on a chain for example, you can either combine it with a rock crystal bracelet, or even wear a second pendant next to it, on the same chain or on another chain.
The rock crystal is an amplifier allowing any mineral to fully develop its abilities. It is however to be avoided with dynamizing stones such as tiger's eye, hawk's eye, bull's eye, landscape jasper or red jasper... the powers will be reversed. In bracelet, it is quite possible to couple a rock crystal bracelet with malachite, always to increase tenfold the effects.
In jewelry, malachite stone is often mounted as a cabochon on warm-toned metals such as yellow gold, rose gold or vermeil. Indeed, the combination of dark green and golden notes is ideal for creating luxurious, sophisticated and enchanting jewelry.
Combined with cooler metals such as silver, white gold or white gold, malachite offers a discreet and refined look. Some of its curves are similar to agate, especially when it is cabochon or teardrop shaped.
When cut as a rolled stone, it also strongly resembles ribboned agate or zoned agate, although its unique colors make it an exceptional choice. Beautiful findings are mounted in sets, bracelets and beaded necklaces, in various sizes.
We find mainly the size of 6, 8, 10mm see the size of 12 to 14mm which really make exceptional jewelry, and really highlight the oval curvature of malachite, just like that of agate.
In crystal healing, not all stones are compatible with each other. Some give off soothing energies, while others have very stimulating energies. The malachite stone is a perfect example, as it does not appreciate the company of any other stone.
It tends to absorb all surrounding energies, even those of other minerals. In other words, it prevents other stones from expressing themselves and exercising their powers.
Like emerald and tourmaline, these are stones that are best worn alone. If, however, you want to wear several stones at the same time, it is strongly advised to wear them on different jewelry that do not come into direct contact.
Over time, the malachite stone is emptied of its soothing and protective energy. It acts like a sponge which absorbs all the negative waves. This is why it is imperative to purify it regularly to discharge it. All stones are purified and recharged in their own way.
In this case, malachite is a fragile stone that needs special attention. To purify it, you can use water, earth or incense. But be careful, you must not let it soak in a water bath for several hours, because this stone absorbs both water and bad energies.
To purify it without damaging it, just rinse it for a few minutes with spring water or distilled water. Avoid using tap water and do not add salt. After these few minutes of purification, you can gently wipe your stone with a soft, clean cloth.
This will prevent scratches and premature tarnishing of your jewelry. If you prefer purification by smoking, you will need to bring incense, sandalwood or sage. This method consists of passing your malachite stone over the smoke for a few minutes to empty it of its bad vibrations.
To recharge your malachite stone, place it near a natural light source. After the purification ritual, you can expose it to sunlight or moonlight for a few hours.
If you choose to put it in the sun, choose the morning or a time of day when it is not too bright because malachite is too fragile to withstand high heat. To optimize the process of recharging, you can put your stone on a mass of quartz, on a rock crystal or on a geode of amethyst. In crystal healing, white quartz and amethyst are ideal to multiply the powers and good energies of other minerals.