Malachite is a basic Copper carbonate that is formed from Copper-containing solutions near Copper ore deposits.Malachite can contain up to 70% copper oxide, an inorganic compound.
The name Malachite comes from a Greek words "molochites lithos" for “mallow-green,” because the distinct color resembles the leaves of the mallow plant.
Malachite was used as a mineral pigment in green paints from Antiquity until c. 1800. The pigment is moderately lightfast, sensitive to acids, and varying in color.
Malachite was also used for decorative purposes, such as in the Malachite Room in the Hermitage Museum, which features a huge malachite vase, and the Malachite Room in Castillo de Chapultepec in Mexico City. Another example is the Demidov Vase, part of the former Demidov family collection, and now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. "The Tazza", a large Malachite vase, one of the largest pieces of Malachite in North America and a gift from Tsar Nicholas II, stands as the focal point in the centre of the room of Linda Hall Library. In the time of Tsar Nicolas I decorative pieces with Malachite were among the most popular diplomatic gifts. It was use in China as far back as the Eastern Zhou period.
Symbolism and Superstitions: A 17th-century Spanish superstition held that having a child wear a lozenge of Malachite would help them sleep, and keep evil spirits at bay. Marbodus recommended Malachite as a Talisman for young people because of its protective qualities and its ability to help with sleep. It has also historically been worn for protection from lightning and contagious diseases and for health, success, and constancy in the affections. During the Middle Ages it was customary to wear it engraved with a figure or symbol of the Sun to maintain health and to avert depression to which Capricorns were considered vulnerable.
The first culture to use Malachite for adornment was ancient Egypt around 4,000 BC. In ancient Egypt, the colour green (wadj) was associated with death and the power of resurrection as well as new life and fertility. Ancient Egyptians believed that the afterlife contained an eternal paradise, referred to as the "Field of Malachite", which resembled their lives but with no pain or suffering.
The Egyptians used Malachite as an ornamental stone in jewelry and art. The stone was imported from King Solomon's infamous Copper Mines on the Red Sea. Archeologists have found Egyptian tomb paintings using Malachite gemstones that had been ground into paint that colored the walls. It was also ground into a fine dust and mixed with Galena, a thick paste used to make kohl, on slate palettes to be painted onto eyelids as a cosmetic and talisman against evil. Vivid green malachite kohl is believed to be Cleopatra's favorite cosmetic, and she was buried with a large vase of it for use in her afterlife.
It is mined notably in Russia, Israel, Afghanistan and across Africa. During the Middle Ages, Malachite was worn to protect from Black Magic, and is still thought to ward off evil.
In contemporary Stone Lore, Malachite is rumored to aid in releasing guilt and lingering effects of negative experiences, and to release the negative emotions.
Malachite has been traditionally used to ward off danger and fight illness. It has been said to protect against falling and has been wrapped over bruises and broken bones to help with tissue regeneration and healing.
