What Is the Malachite Gemstone?

Geologically speaking, malachite is a copper carbonate hydroxide, which makes it a mineral. Due to the presence of the copper, its coloration is green. Variations include bright vivid greens as well as greens so dark that the color appears almost black. Throughout history, malachite has been used as a source for green paint pigmentation. Earliest records show that Israel has been a well known source for malachite mining. There, the rocks were unearthed and some also turned over to the jewelry trade. Modern day mining operations are also found in Arizona, Mexico, Russia and the Congo.

Alternative healers have always been fascinated by the color banding that is common in these gemstones. When polished, it is not uncommon to find three to four different shades of green on larger surfaces. Healers frequently associate these clearly delineated shades with energy flow patterns. Combined with the green color that symbolizes nature, shamans suggest that malachite is an instrumental tool in the healing of the physical body as well as a person’s emotional wellbeing. Said to absorb negative energies and clear up electromagnetic pollution, those well-versed in feng shui urge their clients to keep malachite pieces near microwaves and televisions. Healers suggest setting malachite in copper to heighten the gemstone’s powers.

Due to the green color, malachite jewelry is a favorite of those with red hair and a light complexion that favorably displays the stone. It is interesting to note that even brittle pieces are processed for the jewelry trade. While it is true that the mineral is brittle by nature and therefore somewhat challenging to work with, some bits are so fragile that they have to be augmented with resins to prevent breakage while the item is being polished or set. As a result, it is not a good idea to purchase malachite pendants, rings or bracelets, which frequently come in contact with hard surfaces. Instead, look for this material in earrings and brooches, which seldom come in contact with surfaces or materials that could lead to breakage.

Purchase your malachite pieces from a reputable jeweler who can advise you if any resins or enhancements have been used in the manufacture of the pieces that you are considering. This professional should also be consulted when you are thinking of buying a piece at auction but want confirmation about the authenticity of the gemstone. Be careful to shield your malachite jewelry from heat or exposure to acids. If your malachite is set in Sterling silver, do not allow any silver polish to get on the stone. Moreover, do not use ultrasonic cleaning machines on the gemstones. Plenty of jewelry aficionados are content to own elaborate malachite jewelry pieces that they keep on display in small vitrines and curio cabinets.

At Peter Suchy Jewelers we are experts on all types of gemstones and are GIA Certified. We invite you to stop by and visit our showroom located at 1137 High Ridge Road in Stamford Connecticut.

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