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Malachite
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Usually cut into cabochons, Malachite is also use in beads, tabletops,
bowls, vases and carvings. |
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Malachite can be found in Zaire, Russia, Germany, Congo, Zambia, France,
UK, Chile, Australia, Israel, Sweden, Mexico and U.S.A. |
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Malachite was crushed as a green pigment in the Bronze Age and has been
valued as a gemstone since ancient times. Later, the Russian Tsars used
it as a decorative stone, quarrying vast deposits in the Ural Mountains
to create magnificent structures, such as the columns of St. Isaac’s
Cathedral in St. Petersburg, Russia. |
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Popular with the ancient Egyptians, according to legend, their hippo
goddess Toeris (also associated to Hathor) wore a necklace of many beads
including Malachite. |
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The Greeks and Romans fashioned vases and sculptures from Malachite and
wore it as amulets to ward off evil spirits and illnesses. Malachite was
especially admired by ancient Greek followers of the Goddess Venus and
thought to possess great powers. In Rome it was called the “Peacock
Stone” and dedicated to the Goddess Juno, who protects against lightning
and other perils of nature. Continuing these ancient traditions, to this
day some Italians wear Malachite as protection from the evil eye. |
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According to legend, it was worn to detect impending danger, and is
assumed to break into pieces when danger was near. Hence, it was often
regarded as the guardian gem of travelers. |
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According to modern crystal healers its powers include: protection,
power, peace, hope, love, and success in business. |
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It is named for the Greek word “Moloche” for “Mallow”, a green herb, due
to its similarity in color to mallow leaves. 
