5 Incredible Facts About Malachite Gemstones
There’s no denying the sheer beauty of the malachite gemstone. Its vivid green coloring is enthralling, the epitome of beauty. It’s no wonder Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans bedecked themselves in malachite jewelry.
But, like all things in life, it is so much more than something pretty.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the rich life of the malachite stone. You’ll learn its origins, location, value, and how it can be your life’s best ally.
1. Where Does Malachite Come From?
The malachite stone forms deep in the earth, resting above copper deposits. You’ll generally find it inside limestone alongside calcite, iron oxides, and Azurite.
The actual gem forms on the surface of underground caverns as stalactites clusters. When harvested, miners will cut slabs of it from the caves. Due to their unique coloring, these gems are easy to spot.
The malachite stone is a copper carbonate hydroxide mineral. In the past, it was a resource for producing metal copper. Chemically, its composition is Cu2(CO3)(OH)2.
2. Is It a Rare Gemstone?
Malachite is on the list of rare gemstones because its original source has essentially run dry. Historically, the Ural Mountains in Russia were home to some of the largest deposits, but extensive mining has gravely depleted this source over time. The few deposits left behind won’t last forever, either.
That said, it has remained astoundingly popular. It’s common to have the stones cut for malachite jewelry and remains vastly popular as a sculpting material for artists.
3. Why Is Malachite Expensive?
The value of a malachite gemstone can increase depending on the deposit location, the labor process, and even the size and shape of the stalactite from which it originated. Other contributing factors include the gem’s overall appearance and treatment processes.
Location, Location, Location
Only specific regions of the world are home to this stone, limiting supply and increasing the overall value. The largest source of the gem is in Africa, specifically the Democratic Republic of Congo. Additionally, small deposits exist in Australia, Arizona, and France.
Labor & Processing
Malachite forms deep underground, making labor around sourcing more expensive. The difficulty in accessing it adds to the price.
Finding natural cluster reserves is much more difficult than locating larger gemstones. The extensive work it takes to obtain and process Malachite all adds to its price.
And if you’re going for a malachite gem born from a pure cluster (meaning it doesn’t feature any type of azurite), you’ll incur additional expenses.
Coloring & Pattern
Malachite has rings known as the “peacock’s eye.” The amount and visibility of these rings will increase the gem’s value. Essentially, the larger the malachite gemstone, the more prominent the rings, and the higher the price.
The stone coloring covers the entire spectrum of green, from deep forest to seafoam. The hue will impact the value as well.
Treated vs. Untreated Prices
Malachite is soft, having a Mohs hardness between 3.5 and 4.0. Collectors often treat the gemstone with wax or resin to ensure additional protection against damage.
You can find both treated and untreated malachite gemstones. But since a treated malachite stone offers extra durability, expect the price to be higher.
4. Healing Benefits
The benefits of Malachite stone span as far back as Ancient Egypt, with records of it being prevalent in 4000 B.C. Egyptians would grind it down for eyeshadow or adorn themselves in jewelry made from the gemstone.
In the Middle Ages, the Malachite gemstone gained traction for its medicinal benefits. People used it for stomach ailments and believed it to protect against negative energies.
To this day, people use it for the very same reasons.
Physical Healing Properties
Gemstone enthusiasts adore malachite for its renowned healing powers. Though many folks use it to ward off negative energies, it’s also helpful for various physical ailments.
People have used the malachite gemstone to soothe the following:
- General and menstrual cramps
- Childbirth pains
- Swollen joints
- Sprains and fractures
- Nausea
- Travel sickness
Metaphysical healers say the stone helps align a person’s cellular structure, aiding your body’s overall immune system. It also can stimulate liver health, releasing toxins and reducing tissue acidification.
Other uses include helping restore your body’s strength after battling illness and assisting in oxygenation.
Mental Healing Properties
Aside from physical healing properties, the malachite gemstone is quite famous for how it assists people mentally.
As you know, the stone historically was popular for warding off evils and negative energies. Many still use it for quelling negative emotions and welcoming positive ones.
Malachite is also ideal for parsing through your emotional fog, assisting you in making conscious choices, and working through difficult decisions. People have found it conjures inner strength and peace.
The overall calming aura of the stone helps users work through anxiety and fears. It’s an emotional ally and a solid steadying force.
5. Benefits of Keeping Malachite in Your Home
Much good can come from welcoming this semi-precious stone into your home. Whether you have a malachite grand piano, a stash of malachite jewelry, or even a tiny stone on your bookshelf, you’ll likely see the following improvements in your quality of life.
Maintaining Balanced Emotions
It’s believed the malachite stone can balance your heart chakra. According to traditional Hindu beliefs, this helps you healthily deal with emotions. When it’s in your home, your whole family can benefit from the emotional balance.
Stimulate Creative Energy
Gemstone collectors praise the gem for its ability to stimulate inner imagery. Your imagination, dreams, memories, and even feelings become more solid and alive. This fine-tuning of your inner self can lead to a burst of creative energy, invigorating you to lend yourself to the artist within.
This new energy may also help you find unique solutions to problems you’ve been trying to work through as you find clarity in your thoughts.
Wards Away Negativity
As history has shown, the Malachite gemstone has been an essential source for warding off evil and intrusive, negative energies.
People claim it omits positive vibrations, strengthening the natural energy shell to screen out sinister forces. It can shield you from energies that may harm your physical and emotional well-being.
Resist Temptations
Though the stone is most famous for its connection with the heart chakra, it also works well with the solar plexus chakra.
It also can help to enhance your willpower. The presence of this gem eases refusal of temptations to help you serve your highest good. This could help in your journey of spiritual progress, acting as an aid for taking honest actions in your life.
Final Thoughts
Malachite is an ancient stone with a popularity that has withstood the test of time. The beauty of it has been an object of admiration since the days of Cleopatra, and we still wear Malachite jewelry to this day.
And although its gorgeous green patterning is a lovely accent in any home, people have claimed its powers span far beyond beauty.
If you’d like to heal and cleanse your body, mind, and spirit, then turn to the soft, gentle nature of the Malachite gemstone.
