Gemstone :
Malachite

Birthstone Month :
Malachite is not associated with any particular birthstone month.

Zodiac :
Malachite is not associated with any particular zodiac sign.

Chemical Symbol :
Cu2CO3(OH)2

Chemical Make-up :
Malachite is made up of basic copper carbonate minerals.

History & Lore :
Malachite gets its name from the Greek word moloche, meaning mallow, which makes reference to Malachite's green color.

Malachite helps the wearer to enjoy harmony and loyalty. In addition to this, Malachite helps to improve spiritual growth, is a powerful assist to those on a spiritual path and i s a great help with healing both physical and mental problems, likely owing to the fact that it is one of the few gemstones that effectively clears and activates all of the body's chakras. Malachites helps us to deal with changes quickly and effectively,
and are believed to bestow prosperity upon the lives of those that own Malachite minerals / jewelry.

Availability :
Malachite is a widely occurring gemstone. Supply easily meets demand, making Malachite a low to moderately priced, easily accessible semi-precious gemstone.

Sources :
There are known Malachite deposits in Australia, Chile, England, France, Germany, Greece, Mexico, Morocco, Namibia, United States (Arizona, Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Utah), and Zaire.

Evaluation :
Malachite is rated at 3.5 – 4 on the Moh's Scale of Hardness, meaning that this gemstone is best suited to brooches, earrings and pendants.

Malachite is found in various shades of green, but its base color is most usually dark green. Malachites very often exhibit banding, where bands of lighter or darker green run around the stone at irregular intervals.

Africa, Arizona, Russia and Zaire are the places currently producing the best quality Malachite. This Malachite is dark green in body color, with Light green or blackish-green concentric circles. Malachites of this nature from the aforementioned locations are generally priced significantly higher than treated stones, or stones from other locations.

Common Cuts :
Malachite is most commonly used for ornamental carvings, or in jewelry in cabochon or bead form.

Routine Enhancements :
Whilst Malachite is rarely treated, when it is, it is usually impregnated with clear, colorless wax in order to improve the overall durability and appearance of the gemstone. Treated or synthetic Malachites generally display more pronounced, highlighted bands that are often black or white.

Care & Cleaning :
Malachite should only ever be cleaned with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid exposure to chemicals, prolonged exposure to sunlight, or extremes of temperature change, as this can cause permanent coloration changes to the stone. Both ultrasonic and steam cleaners are to be avoided.

Store your Malachite jewelry away from harder jewelry that may scratch or damage this softer stone.