Malachite is the rich deep green gemstone that is often seen in Southwestern Designs.
It is always found mined with copper…. which is why you often find malachite settings in copper. The two are just meant for each other.
Malachite is derived from the Greek malakos, meaning soft.
This gemstone is one of the softer stones so it needs to be set into pieces that won’t get a lot of wear and tear. (not that any jewelry survives much bumping and scraping) Pendants, earrings and bracelets are great for the most part. Rings are a little trickier.
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When you purchase a malachite ring, take note of the setting. It needs to protect the stone as much as possible.
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Did you know that malachite is considered one of the most important minerals in humankind history?
Around 4000 BC it was discovered that heating malachite in a hot flame reduced it to nativ
e copper. This first smelting of metal from ore led to searches for other ores and the development of metallurgy!
That being said.. I just love the BEAUTY of the stone. the black inclusions add such character.
Ancient Egyptians ground malachite and used it in wall painting and as eye makeup. It was believed to ward off eye infections when worn.
Malachite is considered a protection stone. When worn it absorbs negative energies and pollutants from the atmosphere. It is even said to encourage emotional growth and change.
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Walt Whitman applauded malachite for it’s deep green tones.
“A field of ripe cabbage with their prevailing hue of malachite green” Walt Whitman, from Straw-Color’d and other Psyches– 1892
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All in all, this spectacular green gemstone is something to treasure.
For more Malachite and other gemstone designs…. Alene’s Adornments
interesting will enjoy seeing other malacite stuff
I had no idea…I just leaned so much about this stone. Thank you.
Thanks Jeanie. It is a very special gem
I love learning the history of gemstones! Plus, your malachite designs are just beautiful. Love the ring!
thanks so much Susan. The ring is one of my favorites too
It is incredible what we can learn about the earth and the stones and metals that it produces. This is a beautiful stone and I don’t recall ever seeing it before.
thanks so much Renee. You must not be from the Southwest. We live and breathe malachite and turquoise here in Arizona!
Green is my favorite color. I’ve never had a piece with malachite. I’m so glad you mentioned that it’s soft as I wasn’t aware. Now I know what to look for!
Hello,
Great page and article love the jewelry. .
Lori English
I love gemstones but I don’t think I’m familiar with Malachite so the information was extra interesting. You have to love anything that absorbs negative energy! That ring is fabulous.
Thanks so much Tamuria. Yes malachite has benefits beyond beauty.
I never heard of Malachite. Looks pretty, though. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Sabrina. It is a gorgeous gem
Lovely post, Alene. I have a beautiful malachite that I inherited from my mom, so I’ve always loved the stone. Thank you for such an informative, fun piece! The malachite and copper connection was fascinating.
Thanks Reba. I expect that your malachite piece is quite precious since it carries those memories of your Mom.
Wow.. who knew, other than you, of course. That is a gorgeous gem, for sure.
I was unaware of these facts about malachite. I do have a malachite cuff that I love. Thanks for the history.
As a long-time gemstone lover and collector, I’ve always been drawn to the rich intensity of Malachite. Especially on my trips to Sedona, where I have purchased most of my stones and my jewelry. I might have known the positive benefit of it, but appreciate the reminder as I do have some raw pieces of it and also one pendant. The magical powers of gemstones always resonates with me and I really enjoyed knowing more about the history too. Lovely designs and before I read that you were from Arizona, I ‘sensed’ you were, Alene.
thanks so much Beverley. Sedona is one of my all time favorite places in the world. Since I live in Arizona.I can experience this beauty frequently. Malachite is prevalent here in Arizona. I am so pleased that this gem is part of your collection.
My mum would adore this green (her favourite colour) the ring style is stunning.
thanks Sonya. Appreciate it!
We have used Malachite beads in jewelry design. Love the richness of the gemstone & color. Enjoyed learning some of the history & properties.
thanks Roslyn I am pleased to hear that you use malachite as well. It is so beautiful.
Loved learning the history of malachites. It is such a beautiful color, and love it set in copper. Love those earrings!
Thanks Robin. I love those earrings too. One of my favorites
A very beautiful shade of green. I love how you always share the history of the gem stones you use. It’s always so interesting and fun to read your posts.
Thanks so much Brenda. I do tend to be fascinated by the history of the gems!
One of my favourite stones. I picked up a beautiful piece last year in Tijuana (I’m from Australia) and I adore it. I was totally drawn to it and “had to have”.
Thanks Fiona. The pieces you are drawn to are very special. I am so glad you acted on your impulse and made the purchase
Hi Alene,
What a very interesting and fascinating post! I never knew how cool Malachite really was 🙂 Thanks for sharing 🙂 The jewelry is beautiful too!
Thanks so much Joan. Appreciate the compliment too!
I so admire those who can work with stones. I know many say that the stones speak to them. I love how you recombine the malachite and copper.
Thanks Joyce. Yes copper and malachite are awesome when combined.
I never knew the history or even the name of the gemstone. All I knew what that it is stunning. Thank you for helping me to learn something new
Thanks so much Suzii. Glad you learned something new
I love malachite; of course, I love emerald, too. (Do you see a pattern emerging? 🙂 ) I didn’t know the stone had to be protected. How fabulous would a malachite necklace be?
Thanks Jackie. Apparently you love deep green tones. Looks like you have red hair so that makes sense! Yes a malachite necklace would be gorgeous on you.
I’ve never heard of this beautiful stone until your post. I always learn something new from you. Malachite is beautiful!!
Thanks so much Tandy. It is right up there with turquoise in my book
What fun to read about the history of malachite. it is such a beautiful stone. I rarely wear jewelry, but this is one stone I would enjoy wearing since my favorite color is green.
thanks so much Karen. This is a rich green too. If it’s your favorite, then I predict a malachite design is in your near future!