Malachite: meaning, origins and properties

What is the meaning of malachite?

The name "malachite" has several origins.
One source suggests that this gemstone derives its name from the Latin "malachites" which means "through" and the Greek "malakhê" which means mallow. The color of the stone resembles particularly that of the leaves of the mallow.
Another hypothesis explains the origin of its name by the Greek word "malakos" which can be translated by "softness", because of the fragility and the sensitivity of the stone to heat.

The Origin of Malachite

Malachite is a fine stone that has been known and appreciated for many centuries.
In ancient Egypt, this gemstone was associated with Thueris, the hippopotamus goddess and protector of motherhood, and was believed to protect pregnant women. It was also a symbol of rebirth and eternal youth.
In ancient Greece, the temple dedicated to Artemis, the goddess of hunting and wilderness, was decorated with objects and ornaments inlaid with malachite stone.

Since ancient times, this stone has often been used as a talisman against the evil eye, tragedy and negative energies.
The Romans believed that malachite could protect them against lightning strikes.
Greek soldiers wore it around their wrists or necks to prevent injuries on the battlefield.
During the Middle Ages, it was believed to ward off the evil eye and protect children from childhood diseases.

During the Antiquity, it was found a completely different use. It was ground into powder to be used as a green pigment (mountain green color) in various iconographic paintings.
Russians have appreciated it for centuries as a decorative stone, as in St. Isaac's Cathedral in St. Petersburg.

What are the properties of malachite?

This green stone is a soft stone. It has a hardness between 3.5 and 4 on the Mohs scale and a density of 3.65 to 4.05.
It is composed mainly of copper carbonate and forms naturally in copper mines. Sometimes it can contain other minerals such as azurite. The stone takes on both a blue and green color and is then calledAzurite-malachite.

What is the color of malachite?

This fine stone is prized for its green color, ranging from pale to dark green. When it is polished, rings, ribbons and light, dark or black bands are drawn on its surface, which emphasize its intense and brilliant color.

Where to find malachite ?

The main deposits are located in Australia, Brazil, Chile, Congo, the United States, France, Italy, Israel, Rhodesia, Russia and Zaire.

What are the virtues of malachite?

Lithotherapists attribute many virtues to this green stone. It is a reassuring stone, it would decrease stress and would give self-confidence. Soothing and calming, it would bring inner peace.
It would also facilitate persuasion by allowing a clear and calm speech.

The stone malachite acts essentially on the chakra of the heart (fourth chakra). It would be used then to restore the balance of the soul, by developing the positive energies and by absorbing the negative and polluting waves. It would support the change and would improve the bonds with the others.
In lithotherapy, we say that a malachite worn in necklace or in bracelet allows to balance the sacred chakra (second chakra).

How to purify and recharge a malachite stone ?

There are several methods to purify a malachite:

• with spring water or distilled water: simply rinse it for a few minutes, then gently wipe it with a soft, clean cloth. Avoid using tap water, as the limescale could damage or scratch the stone.
• by fumigation with incense, sandalwood or sage: to do this, pass the stone over the smoke for a few minutes.

Once purified, you can recharge it in sunlight or moonlight for a few hours. If you choose sunlight, choose a time when its rays are not too strong because malachite is sensitive to heat.
To amplify this technique, you can place your malachite stone on a cluster of quartz, on rock crystal or on an amethyst.

How to wear malachite?

Malachite is equally at home in gold and silverjewelry. That's why you can sublimate it as well with a gold-filledjewelry primer, in gold plated, for a luxurious and bewitching effect. But you can also mount malachite jewelry with 925 silver or stainless steel primers for a more discreet but equally refined style.

In lithotherapy, it is advised to associate certain stones between them to increase their benefits. However, malachite has a too strong energy. It must be worn alone because it could cancel the virtues of other stones.
If you are simply looking for a nice effect or a nice harmony of colors, combine your malachite with the stones you like.