MALACHITE

Stunning green gemstone with bands of green colour. Malachite is a mineral that forms at shallow depths within the Earth, in the oxidizing zone above copper deposits .

This is a stone of guidance and is used when trying to make decisions. It can help clear your mind and see through the chaos. Said to help physical pain and tightness. A great crystal to keep close to you in times of change and transition.

Cool facts: Malachite was adored by the Ancient Egyptians who began mining the green stone as early as 4000 BC. They used to ground the powder for eyeshadow and paint. The ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans believed malachite warded off evil spirits. It was often carved into amulets and has a long history of having protective qualities.

Our specimens are sourced from the Congo which extensively mines the material for its copper content. Thus getting specimen grade material is quite difficult. Pliny the Elder, 79 CE used the ancient term Molochitus but by 1661 the revised spelling was widely adopted as Malachite. Malachite has a widely variable habit ranging from botryoidal, silky, and stalactite like forms. The weight to size ratio of specimens can also have a wide range of variation depending on the density of the material. Highly dense banded or flower pattern material is considered the best for cutting material. Whilst, rich colour, chatoyancy and habit is considered important for specimens. Botryoidal material is by far the most commonly available, whilst silky / fibrous is fairly difficult to obtain, and last of all Stalactite specimens are the most rare, desirable and collectible.