Geology - History
Malachite’s name derives from the Greek molochitis lithos, "mallow-green stone", given this name due to its resemblance to the leaves of the Mallow plant. Malachite is a Copper carbonate hydroxide mineral, which generally results from weathering of copper ores & often found together with Azurite Goethite & Calcite.
This green banded mineral crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system. Most commonly forming botryoidal, fibrous or stalagmitic masses in fractures & spaces deep underground. Growth occurs where the water table & hydrothermal fluids provide the means for chemical precipitation. Individual crystals are rare & occur as slender to acicular prisms. Pseudomorphs can occur after more tabular or blocky azurite crystals.
The properties of malachite are similar to those of azurite & aggregates of the two minerals occur frequently. Malachite is more common than azurite & is typically associated with copper deposits around limestones, the source of the carbonate.
Large quantities of malachite have been mined in the Urals Russia. It is found worldwide most notably in Arizona. Archaeological evidence indicates that the mineral has been mined & smelted at Timna Valley in Israel for over 3,000 years. Malachite has been used as both an ornamental stone & as a gemstone.
Metaphysical Properties
The Green Dragon stone of transformation & endless possibility. This stone harbours intense magic capable of manifesting great things. Within lies powerful healing, purifying, cleansing & manifestation. Malachite must be respected when used magically, especially when releasing the Dragon. The Dragon within is benevolent & will work only to the highest good.
Focus heart energy into this stone & the secrets of creation are at your fingertips. Excellent for release & ritual work. Reduces stress, breaks down the need for answers & brings understanding. Powerful energy conductor which removes negative energies & unblocks your spiritual path.
Provides strong protection absorbing pollutants, plutonium, radiation & clears EMF’s. Malachite resonates with the heart, throat & crown chakras. It also expands & heals the entire auric field detaching all energy attachments. Particularly good for breaking curses.
Crystal Healing
Arthritis, insomnia, stress, child birth, Stress headaches, heart & all pain
Mineralogy
Group: Carbonate Mineral
Crystal System: Monoclinic - prismatic
Composition: CuCO₃. Cu(OH)₂.
Form/Habit: Massive, Botryoidal, stalactitic. Crystals are acicular to tabular prismatic
Hardness: 3.5-4
Cleavage: Perfect on {201} fair on {010
Fracture: Subconchoidal to uneven
Lustre: Adamantine to vitreous; silky if fibrous; dull to earthy if massive
Streak: Light green
Specific Gravity: 3.6 - 4
Transparency: Translucent to opaque
R.I: nα = 1.655 nβ = 1.875 nγ = 1.909
Colour: Bright green, dark green, blackish green, commonly banded in masses; green to yellowish green in transmitted light.