In 4000 years before JC, the malachite was already exploited in the copper mines of the Eastern deserts. Very spectacular mineral, malachite is present in all the civilizations of antiquity. In its raw state, it fascinates with its tormented relief and the colour of the Amazon rainforest. After polishing, the concentric rings, the light or dark ribbons reveal all the mysterious beauty of the stone. The green meanders of malachite have amazed us since the dawn of time.

Recently, in the Jordan Valley, a team of Israeli archaeologists discovered a copper punch of ten centimetres. Placed in a woman’s grave 7,000 years ago, it is probably the oldest copper object ever to be found.  For thousands of years, oxidation has covered the small tool with a thick green and turquoise coating and this chemical reaction gives it the appearance of a precious jewel. It is the natural alteration of copper that produces these ores with sumptuous colours: shades of blue for azurite, shade of green for malachite.

Mineralogical properties of malachite

Malachite belongs to the large family of carbonates. More precisely, it is a hydrated copper carbonate. It is found in copper mines scattered all over the world: in Africa, Australia, Arizona in the USA, in the Urals in Russia, in Italy and even in France near Lyon in Chessy-Les-Mines and in the Var to Cap Garonne.

Very medium hard, especially in massive forms, malachite is scratched quite easily (rated 3.5 to 4 on a scale of 10 established by mineralogist Friedrich Mohs). It is highly soluble in acids.

Translucent or opaque, it presents a beautiful shine and a wide variety of appearances. Most often its concreted texture gives it an irregular appearance; it can also form in stalactites. Sometimes the radiating crystals start from the centre and form a very curious star group. On other specimens, we can clearly observe the growth strata which then form concentric circles similar to the rings of trees.

The green hue of malachite is characterized by an important light, dark or even black veining which makes it very recognizable. Monochrome samples are rare, smaller ones can be and identification becomes less easy because there are many other minerals of this colour. In addition to the precious emerald, we can cite jade, epidote, serpentine, aventurine, tree agate, verdelite (a variety of tourmaline), chrysocolla and peridot – these last two minerals were once often confused with malachite.

The azurite-malachite is a natural combination, but very rare, these two minerals with different colours but same family and from the same mineral deposit.

Virtues of malachite in lithotherapy

Since the earliest times, malachite has been used in healing practices, including pain relief. It is one of the most popular stones in modern lithotherapy.

Product of the deterioration of copper, a metal essential to life, it has the same healing properties: anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. These two very important skills explain the great diversity of its indications.

Beneficial for all, malachite is particularly aimed at women and children. Tradition dedicates malachite to people deemed to be the most fragile, this constant is found in all civilizations.

Virtues of malachite against physical ailments

Anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties:

1. Toothache
2. Sore throat
3. Asthma
4. Kidney pain
5. Haemorrhoids
6. Arthritis
7. Osteoarthritis
8. Rheumatism
9. Sprains
10. Fractures
11. Colic
12. Cramps

Anti-bacterial and antiseptic properties:

1. Eye infections
2. Ear infections
3. Angina bacterial origin
4. Tonsillitis

Revitalizing properties:

1. Increase endurance
2. Promotes cellular detoxification
3. Strengthens the immune system
4. Accelerates tissue regeneration

Calming and soothing properties of the nervous system:

1. Anxiety
2. Insomnia
3. Pain
4. Crises of epilepsy

Properties acting on the circulatory system:

1. Protect the heart
2. Purifies the blood
3. Haemostatic effect

Virtues of malachite on the psyche and relationships

1. Promotes meditation
2. Facilitates the understanding of dreams
3. Helps overcome depression
4. Improves self-confidence
5. Strengthens the capacity for expression and persuasion
6. Releases inhibitions

Indications for women

1. Protects pregnancies
2. Facilitates childbirth
3. Normalizes painful and / or irregular periods

Indications for children

1. Sleep disturbances
2. Nightmares
3. Convulsions
4. Weaning

To benefit from the benefits of malachite, you can wear it with you: in the form of a jewel, a pendant, or simply by keeping a tumbled stone in your pocket.

For the treatment of painful areas, apply malachite as long as possible. You can place it, in the form of a pebble or rolled stone, against the affected part and keep it in place with a bandage.

For a beneficial effect on the whole body, lie down calmly, accompanied if you wish by background music and place a malachite in the heart chakra.

Warning:  do not prepare an elixir with malachite, the copper it contains makes it unfit for consumption and even toxic.

How to maintain and preserve the malachite stone?

Over time, the malachite stone eventually drained of its soothing and protective energy. It acts like a sponge which absorbs all negative waves. This is the reason why it is imperative to purify it regularly to discharge it. All stones purify and recharge in a way that is unique to them. In this case, malachite is a fragile stone that requires special attention. To purify it, you can use water, earth or frankincense. But be careful, you should not let it soak in a water bath for several hours, because this stone absorbs water as much as bad energies. To purify it without damaging it, simply rinse it for a few minutes with spring water or distilled water. Avoid using tap water, and especially do not add salt. After these few minutes of purification, you can gently wipe your stone with a soft, clean cloth. This helps prevent scratches and premature tarnishing of your jewellery. If you prefer purification by smoking, you will need to bring incense, sandalwood or sage. This method consists of passing your malachite stone above the smoke for a few minutes to empty it of its bad vibrations.

To recharge your malachite stone, you must place it near a source of natural light. After the purification ritual, you can expose it under the rays of the sun or the moon for a few hours. If you choose to put it in the sun, choose the morning or a time of the day when it does not shine too brightly because the malachite is too fragile to withstand the strong heat. To optimize the reloading process, you can place your stone on a quartz cluster or on an amethyst geode. In lithotherapy, white quartz and amethyst are ideal for increasing tenfold the powers and good energies of other minerals.