Malachite, also known in the public as malachite, is a natural stone formed from copper carbonate. With a hardness rating between 3.5 and 4, this natural stone is the result of the oxidation of copper ore. Although it comprises elements such as azurite, cuprite, copper, calcite, chrysocolla, and limonite, copper is the main component. It is mined in various parts of the world, but most abundantly found in Russia and South Africa.
What are the Characteristics of Malachite?
The characteristics of Malachite are as follows:
- It’s a green stone that’s easily breakable, with darker green lines on it. Due to its structure, it’s hard to shape.
- It darkens when heated and releases water from the stone.
- It is most commonly mined in Russia, Zambia, Congo, Gabon, Australia, and Mexico.
- Its crystal system is monoclinic.
- It has a significant and positive effect on the throat and heart chakras.
- It was used as a healing stone during the Alchemy period, a time when chemistry was not yet developed, and it is known as one of the rare stones that have the ability to heal patients.
What are the Benefits of Malachite?
The benefits of malachite include:
- Known as the stone of joy, it quickly absorbs negative energy from those who carry it.
- It helps with heart and vascular diseases by lowering blood pressure.
- It has a positive effect on joint pains and calcification, as well as on the healing of muscle and bone injuries, promoting quick recovery.
- It helps individuals overcome different phobias and fears.
- It reduces anxiety, thus it is recommended for use by people who experience high levels of anxiety.
- With its ability to enhance feminine energy, it assists women in solving sexual issues.
- Known as the stone of transformation and change, it is generally used by those wanting to start anew or those in the midst of new beginnings to foster more positive outcomes.
- It promotes calmness.
- Known also as the stone of courage and self-confidence, its use when starting a new job creates very positive effects on an individual’s energy.
- It helps with sleep, thus providing relief for those who suffer from insomnia at night.
What Does Malachite Mean?
Malachite is widely used for its chakra opening abilities, making it especially popular among those with negative energy and closed chakras. The meaning of malachite also lies in its strength-giving properties to the heart, enabling individuals to move away from sorrow and grief and attract happiness and joy into their lives.
How to Tell if Malachite is Real?
Malachite is a stone that breaks easily. Therefore, to determine if malachite is real, examining its structure is sufficient. Genuine malachite stones are fragile, whereas processed malachite stones have a velvety texture. Hence, simply touching the stone is enough to tell if it’s real. Furthermore, malachite will darken when exposed to heat.
How to Clean Malachite?
Like other natural stones, malachite is cleaned through a grounding method. Cleaning of malachite is usually done by leaving the stone in soil without flowers and any other items, in a place that sees both moonlight and sunlight, for at least 24 hours during the full moon. This process is sufficient for cleaning.