CHARACTERISTICS OF MALACHITE STONE

• ORIGIN OF THE NAME: From the Latin “malachites” meaning “through” and from the ancient Greek “malakhé” meaning “mauve”
• MEMBERSHIP GROUP: Carbonate
• CHEMICAL COMPOSITION: Basic copper carbonate CU2CO3 (OH) 3
• HARDNESS: Between 3.5 and 4
• CRYSTAL SYSTEM: Monoclinic
• DEPOSIT (S): Australia, Brazil, Chile, Congo, United States, France, Israel, Rhodesia, Russia, Zaire.
• COLOR (S): Green varying from pale to very dark.

The Malachite symbolizes calm, processing and protection. In lithotherapy, it invites you to surpass yourself and take risks. Discover the history, components, texture and energies of malachite and let yourself be hypnotized by its spirals and sublime shades of green.

HISTORY OF MALACHITE STONE

Rich in stories and legends, malachite has been a stone exploited by humans 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 Thouéris, the hippopotamus goddess, protector of 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. The soldiers wore it as an amulet around the neck or wrist. In Ephesus, malachite stones were encrusted on the decorative objects and ornaments of the temple of Artemis.

During antiquity, the malachite stone was reduced to powder and was used in various iconographic paintings. The metallic pigment which composes it has a very high sensitivity to acids as well as to 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 Saint Petersburg, Saint 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. It was advocated in particular to protect children against fatal diseases. According to their beliefs, the Romans believed that the malachite stone protected against lightning. Thus, the Romans strongly recommended that children have a talisman or a malachite pendant to be able to protect themselves from it.

Today, the malachite stone is used to make jewellery such as a malachite necklace, but also a malachite bracelet. This fine stone is used to make ornamental objects. It is not uncommon to see it embedded in objects, columns, sections, tables, etc. At present, it is widely used for the manufacture of cosmetic products. Indeed, malachite has its detoxifying and antioxidant properties which are particularly interesting for the skin.

ORIGIN AND COMPOSITION OF MALACHITE STONE

Derived from its Latin name “malachites” meaning “through” and the ancient Greek “malakhê” meaning “mauve”, the malachite stone inherited this name because of its strong green resemblance to the leaves of the mauve. It is possible to find malachite under the following names: carbonated copper green, copper green, green chrysocolla, etc. Chemically composed of copper carbonate hydroxide, the malachite stone belongs to the group of carbonates. Its hardness varies between 3.5 and 4 on the Mohs scale, which makes it a soft stone. Its density oscillates between 3.65 and 4.05. Its crystal system is monoclinic. You have to be very careful with malachite, because due to its hardness, it is very fragile and this makes it a stone very sensitive to heat or other liquid substances. In addition, it scratches quite easily. The malachite stone reacts with effervescence by hydrochloric acid. This is a stone which can be substantially soluble in water loaded with carbon dioxide.

Fascinating and radiant with beauty, malachite stone is highly regarded for its exceptional color which varies from pale green to the most intense green. In its natural state, it offers a sparkling and captivating relief. When it is polished, we can observe concentric rings and kinds of ribbons that highlight its sublime shades of green even more. This stone forms naturally in copper deposits. About 6000 years ago, it was already mined in the copper deposits of eastern countries. Today, the main deposits of malachite stone are in Australia, Brazil, Chile, Congo, United States, France, Italy, Israel, Rhodesia, Russia and Zaire.

VIRTUES AND PROPERTIES OF MALACHITE STONE IN LITHOTHERAPY

THE VIRTUES AND PROPERTIES OF MALACHITE ON THE MENTAL LEVEL

On the mental level, the malachite stone is a natural stone that reassures and gives assurance. It strengthens the ability of the wearer in matters of persuasion, leading to a structured, poised and concise speech. Malachite carries protection in its properties and virtues. This stone thus makes it possible to considerably develop positive energy, but also to absorb negative energy. It protects through this. In lithotherapy, malachite stone is frequently used in the heart chakra to restore balance to the soul. It brings a body balance and opens the heart. Malachite also brings clairvoyance about who we may or may not bond with. It removes anxieties and fears from the soul in favour of compassion, discernment and wholeness.

Malachite makes it possible to initiate transformations, it promotes change and risk taking. On a daily basis, wear the malachite stone harmonizes your relationships with others, but also in a difficult family environment. The negative and polluting waves will be absorbed by the malachite. In general, this stone opens all of the chakras. Widely used in meditation, it allows those who use it to interpret their dreams. Malachite is a stone that facilitates the expression of feelings. Its green colour inspires hope and serenity. If you have trouble falling asleep because your mind is very restless, you can place a malachite on your bedside table or under your pillow. Besides helping you get to sleep; it will protect you from nightmares and harmful waves throughout the night. Finally, for the hyperactive or the magnetizers, malachite makes it possible to absorb the energy which has not been evacuated.

THE VIRTUES AND PROPERTIES OF MALACHITE ON THE PHYSICAL LEVEL

On a physical level, the malachite stone soothes most pains, whether of nervous, muscular or joint origin. In case of targeted pain, you can place the stone directly on the area in question for quick relief. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, it helps fight fever, headaches and painful periods. Malachite derives its anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and anti-infective properties from its high copper content.

By soothing your ailments, the malachite stone accompanies you in a gentle and natural healing process. In general, it regulates blood circulation and facilitates the elimination of toxins from the body. Slightly stimulating, malachite can help you build 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 side. In addition, it promotes tissue regeneration and cell detoxification. Finally, its positive action on the whole body helps strengthen the immune system of those who wear it on a daily basis.

THE VIRTUES AND PROPERTIES OF MALACHITE ON A SPIRITUAL LEVEL

On a spiritual level, the malachite stone acts mainly on the heart chakra. Located at the centre of the chest and the 7 chakras, the heart chakra constitutes an essential link between spiritual and material energies. Due to its central position, the heart chakra plays an essential role for 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 with hypersensitivity, withdrawal into oneself, irrational fears, and a kind of insensitivity to love. Very often, this chakra closes again following an emotional shock such as a rupture or a death. That said, it never stays permanently closed. The first thing to do to open it, it is to realize and accept the wounds of the past. The second is to work on its opening with green, soft and protective minerals such as malachite stone.

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 the joy of life. It helps you communicate, cooperate and trust. Naturally, it improves the quality of your relationships with your loved ones and makes you feel light, like a little cloud of happiness.