Malachite is a green copper carbonated hydroxide mineral.

Today it's of little importance as an ore of copper because it's usually found in small quantities and can be sold for higher prices for other types of use.

Malachite, a copper carbonate mineral, has been used as a gemstone for thousands of years and is still popular today.

Today they are most often cut into cabochons or beads for jewelry use.

Malachite has a green color that does not fade over time or when exposed to light.

Its dark blue or greenish-blue color, along with its easy grinding to a fine powder, made it a popular pigment and coloring agent for thousands of years.

Where Does Malachite Form?

Malachite, a mineral, forms at shallow depths within the earth, in the oxidizing zone above copper deposits.

It comes from descending solutions in cracks, cavities, and the intergranular spaces of porous rock.

Carbonate-forming limestones are common, occurring in nearly every type of sedimentary rock, and they form when chemical conditions in sediments favor the precipitation of carbonate minerals rather than

Associated minerals include azurite, bornite, calcite, chalcopyrite, copper, cuprite, and a variety of iron oxides.

The first deposits of malachite found and exploited were located in Egypt and Israel.

Copper was mined in ancient times to produce copper.

Material from these deposits was also used to produce gemstones, sculptures, and pigments.

Several large deposits of gem and sculptural material in the Ural Mountains of Russia were actively mined in the 1800s. 

Most of the malachite today entering the lapidary market is from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

You can purchase it in a number of places around the world, including Australia, France, and Arizona.

Physical Properties of Malachite

Malachite’s most striking physical property is its bright green color.

Each kind of specimen of mineral is green, from pastel to bright, to extremely dark green. They vary in color.

It is typically found as stalactites and botryoidal coatings on the surfaces of underground cavities. It is similar to the calcite found in caves.

When sawn surfaces are cut, they often have banding and small eyes that are similar to agate.

You're likely to find Malachite in the form of a gem, but when found, the crystals are usually acicular to tabular.

The crystals are bright green, and translucent, with a vitreous to adamantine luster.

Non-crystalline rocks are usually opaque, and they may have a dull to earthy luster.

The copper in malachite makes it have a high specific gravity of about 3.5, which means it’s pretty dense.

This beautiful green stone is a mineral so striking for its color and pattern that it is easy to identify.

Malachite is one of a few green minerals that when exposed to cold, dilute HCl effervesces.

Zodiac Birthstone

A birthstone for Scorpio and Capricorn

Malachite is a wonderful stone for Scorpios and Capricorns. They’re a sign of deep thinking and strong character.

The flow of energy for Scorpios is always changing, so there's no need to protect yourself as Malachite will keep you firmly protected and bring you safely through all the different currents that come your way.

A Scorpio is always on the go. Their adventures might not be physical, but they are still on the go!

The Scorpio is also the symbol of passion and the sign of transformation. You'll learn how to make a comeback, to come back from the ashes, or overcome something that has burned you badly.

We have a feeling that malachite crystal is a perfect choice for this piece. The evil eye is all about not letting good fortune come your way.

It is a stone that opens up the solar plexus where the energy of sexual liberation resides.

It’s about embracing change and embracing transformation and rising, rising, rising – no matter which way the tide is going.

Capricorns also love the glimmering green and black swirls of Malachite.

Capricorns need to keep their heads on straight, as they often can be very reigned in and Malachite serves up its amazing energy to encourage this sign to step outside of their comfort zone with ease and take a risk or two to help them grow as

It helps you get rid of your self-esteem issues and replace them with a renewed sense of confidence. It will help you feel more powerful and get better at standing up for yourself.

Who should wear Malachite?

You should wear Malachite for many reasons.

Whether you are just starting out and looking to add a beautiful gemstone to your collection, or if you’re looking for something to give as an anniversary present, Malachite makes a wonderful solution.

Given the popularity of Malachite healing gemstones, people who are seeking a way to improve the level of positive emotions in their life and remove negativity can include Malachite jewelry in their collection.

Add some Malachite gemstones to the decorative pieces in your home or office for more business success.

Malachite is the perfect luxury gemstone to pair with copper, gold, or silver. It will give your jewelry a warm and inviting glow.

Rich in color, Malachite is a great stone for jewelry designs of all types. It can be combined with many contemporary and tribal motifs.

Although a Malachite is not typically faceted, it is still a valuable gemstone that can work with both men's and women's jewelry. It's also very easy to drill into Malachite if you want something subtle or dramatic.

If you want to purchase malachite jewelry, certain stones could weigh more or less than a diamond based on their weight. You are much better off purchasing them by their size.

Malachite FAQ's 

What is Malachite?

Malachite is a green and black swirled gemstone. It's made of green copper carbonate.

It’s not uncommon for a lot of natural resources that look like the color of emerald to actually

It is a part of the monolithic crystal system and has opaque transparency.

It can sometimes show streaks of deeper shades of green.

What does Malachite look like?

Malachite is a green mineral that comes in all sorts of colors. Its shades can vary from bright vivid hues to something a little paler.

In general, it appears as a smooth, glossy black on the outer surface.

Malachite also has a shiny and slippery look.

Where is Malachite found?

Malachite is found across the globe, but the biggest deposits of this gemstone are in the Urals region of Russia.

The African countries with the highest Malachite production include the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Namibia, and Gabon.

It's known as a variety of malachites, but it's also been found in Mexico and Australia among other places.

What does Malachite do?

Malachite is a protective stone that helps to clear away negative energies.

Quartz is the Stone of Transformation. It can help you overcome challenges in your life and can grant you courage and help you step out of your

This beautiful stone is a gemstone that helps open your heart, bring you into alignment, and build inner strength.

Can Malachite get wet?

Malachite scores between 3-4 on the Mohs Scale of Mineral Hardness.

This means the gem is quite soft and therefore less safe to be left in water.

It is very porous and contains a high percentage of iron.

To prevent your Malachite from getting wet, always place it in an airtight container to ensure it dries out correctly.

How to clean Malachite?

One of the best ways to clean Malachite is with a little warm water and a soft scrub brush or cloth.

Malachite is a very soft stone and has a high copper content so make sure to always dry it thoroughly.

Malachite will cleanse more effectively if you use a combination of sound baths, smudging, and leaving it in the presence of other cleansing gems like Clear Quartz and Selenite.

How to charge Malachite?

This is a must-have for every home. Its energy and depth can help enhance your home and bring it into alignment with the spirits of the earth and the universe.

When you’re feeling stressed, low or need to give your brain an energetic boost, bury it in the earth for an evening or place it beneath a tree.

You can also cleanse your Malachite by placing it in the light of the moon (good for connecting with its feminine energy), placing it in the presence of geode clusters.

How is Malachite formed?

Malachite is a naturally occurring mineral that forms when copper deposits become oxidized.

It is a secondary mineral formed in the earth’s crust or deep underground spaces and cracks when carbonated water interacts with copper or when copper interacts with limestone.

How to polish Malachite?

Polished Malachite will have a beautiful glossy look to it and over time it can lose that luster.

Malachite needs to be polished carefully so that it doesn't lose its unique natural patterns. Overworking can ruin the stone.

The best way to polish Malachite is with diamond grit.

Malachite is a great stone to tumble, it pairs well with turquoise and jade, but you can also use it in the same setting as agate, jasper, mal

Where to buy Malachite?

Malachite can usually be found from any reputable gemstone seller.

The retailer you choose to work with must be real and ethically sourced. That will ensure you receive top-quality and well-cut diamonds.