Malachite

Scientific:
Malachite is a secondary ore that occurs in the upper levels of copper deposits. The hydrothermal action of atmospheric agents on copper mineral outcrops has combined copper with solutions of carbonated water to produce malachite. It is the copper content of malachite that gives it a green (like tarnish) color. More water in the copper makes it lighter and less water makes it darker. The absence of water makes it black.

Crystals are rare, mostly dense, fibrous fine-crystalline aggregates. Malachite sometimes occurs in rounded (mamillated) nodules, botryoidal shapes, grape shapes, cone shapes, or stalactite and, rarely, encrusted slabs.

Malachite forms relatively quickly. Bronze objects have been found at ancient Assyrian sites partially or wholly converted into malachite. Grains of sand bound together by malachite particles are a further indicator that it forms quickly. This formation is known as "Wheal Leisure."

In fractures or when cut, malachite shows a banding of light and dark green with concentric rings, straight stripes, or oilier figurative shapes caused by its shell-like formation. The stratifications are curved (transverse to the length of the crystal), which are obviously successive layers of concretion, according to the outer surface of the mass.

The name is probably derived from the green color (Greek-malache = mallow), or perhaps from its low hardness (Greek-malakos = soft). It is not often used as a gem and has a very low value in relation to precious and semi-precious stones. It is much admired, however, as an ornamental material and is quite highly priced for this category, especially when the attractiveness of the material is matched by fine workmanship.

Because of its low hardness, malachite is easily scratched and sometimes becomes dull. The surface can be hardened with artificial resin. Malachite is sensitive to heat, acids, ammonia, and hot waters.

Hardness: 3.5 - 4
Chemical Composition: Cu2CO3(OH)2

History: 
Malachite was popular with the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans for jewelry and amulets. It was also ground along with galena on slate palates. This powder mixed with water was painted on the eyelids. Malachite was being mined in the Sinai Peninsula in 4,000 BC.

The most important deposits used to be in the Urals near Yekaterinburg (Sverdlovsk). The quarries delivered blocks of over 20 tons in weight. From there, the Russian tsars obtained the malachite for decorating their palaces; paneling the walls and for beautiful inlaid works of art.

Health:
Malachite has a long history of health lore. (Because malachite has copper in it, which is toxic, I don't recommend ingesting or inhaling it at all.)

Malachite has been used to ward off danger and fight illness. It has been said to protect against falls, help with tissue regeneration and healing bruised and fractured bones. Try wrapping it in place. Malachite draws the energy of disharmony into and through its own energy vibration. It takes the pain into itself. 

Holding a "Peacock's eye" in malachite over a physical area can alter the patterning and isolate and draw out pain. Light and dark green colors representing the earth give strength to face and conquer the pain. If it has been used a lot, place malachite on a clear quartz cluster to recharge it.

It has been said to be particularly beneficial to the eyesight. It was thought that by looking at malachite for a few minutes every day it would increase the oxygen flow to the retina and stimulate the optic nerve. The paste form smeared on the eyelids was thought to cure cataracts.

It has been used in elixir form to treat the teeth.