Malachite Healing Properties
A banded, swirled or striped bright, true-green stone named after the Greek malache or mallow. Malachite is an important copper ore, so true malachite is quite heavy.
Mystical Properties: Powdered Malachite was once used as a cosmetic.
Egyptians and Europeans of the Middle Ages believed Malachite protected children from evil spirits and witches.
Most green stones are associated with abundance and wealth and so Malachite is also said to bring prosperity to the wearer, sometimes called the Business Man's Stone.
The Greeks associated Malachite with the Goddess Venus, as copper is her metal, and copper left open to the elements becomes the green stain of Malachite. They believed Malachite cut into a triangle brought protection against the Evil Eye and engraved with Venus' sign, drew love to oneself.
Russians believed drinking from a Malachite cup would give the power to understand animals.
Said to favor women named Martha and men named Mark.
Said to rule the hour of 3:00 a.m.
Healing Properties: Said to relax an over-taxed nervous system. The Chinese believed it could treat colds and diarrhea.
Scientific Properties: Composed of Copper Hydroxyl Carbonate, Malachite is an oxidized form of copper and often mined for copper ore. Often associated with the much rarer and less stable Azurite.
The green crust frequently seen near old wash basins is Malachite, which is the Copper in the wash basin oxidizing.
Hardness: 3.9 - 4.0 on the Moh's Hardness Scale
Owner Warning! Because Malachite is relatively soft, it should be worn with care. Use extreme caution in cleaning this gemstone as it is easily broken down by some solvents.