Birthstone: N/A
Meaning: Transformation
Chakras: Solar plexus, Heart, Crown
Zodiac: Scorpio, Capricorn, Taurus, Libra
Planet: Venus
MOH’s Scale: 3.5-4
Element: Earth
God/Goddess: Hathor “The Lady of Malachite”, Isis, Persephone
Anniversary Gift: N/A
Alchemical Symbol: N/A
Malachite is a green copper carbonate hydroxide mineral. It was one of the first ores used to produce copper metal. This opaque, green-banded mineral crystallizes and most often forms botryoidal, fibrous, or stalagmitic masses, in fractures and deep, underground spaces, where the water table and hydrothermal fluids provide the means for chemical precipitation. Being a carbonate of copper, Malachite is sometimes intergrown with Azurite, forming Malachite-Azurite, or with Chrysocolla, forming Malachite-Chrysocolla.
It is found worldwide including in the Congo, Egypt, Gabon, Russia, Zambia, Namibia, the Urals, Mexico, Broken Hill New South Wales, Lyon France, Timna Valley Israel, and the Southwestern United States most notably in Arizona.
Its name comes from the Greek term, Malakee or Malache, meaning “mallow-green stone”, as the color of the stone resembles the mallow plant’s leaves.
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. In ancient Egypt the color 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. In ancient Egypt, Malachite was also used by the upper classes as one of their main power stones, serving as a grounding force to help them channel higher energies onto the planet. The pharaohs often lined the inside of their headdresses with Malachite, believing it helped them rule wisely. It was also pulverized into a fine powder and used as a brilliant eye shadow. This green adornment was not only cosmetic, it was reported to stimulate clear vision and insight.
Well known to ancient Egyptians, Malachite mines were in use between the Suez and Sinai as early as 4000 B.C. It was also popular with the ancient Greeks and Romans, for jewelry, ornaments, and in powdered form, for eye shadow. In the Middle Ages, Malachite was believed to protect against the “Evil Eye” and to cure various stomach ailments. The appropriate design to be engraved upon Malachite was the image of the sun. Such a gem would become a powerful talisman and protected the wearer from enchantments, evil spirits, and from the attacks of venomous creatures.
Because of Malachite’s peculiar markings, some of which suggest the form of an eye, Malachite was worn in parts of Italy as an amulet to protect the wearer from the spell of the Evil Eye. Such stones were called “peacock-stones,” from their resemblance in color and markings to the peacock’s tail. The form of these Malachite amulets is usually triangular and mounted in silver.
Malachite was considered to be a talisman for children. If a piece of the stone were attached to an infant’s cradle, all evil spirits were held aloof and the child slept soundly and peacefully. The gemstone was often worn by children as a talisman, protecting them from bad dreams while giving them a greater sense of emotional security. In some parts of Germany, Malachite shared with Turquoise the repute of protecting the wearer from danger in falling, and also gave warning of approaching disaster by breaking into pieces. In Switzerland and in several villages of Savoie in the French Alps, Malachite crosses are thought to bring good luck to pregnant women, and mothers of large families are proud to show their collections of Malachite crosses. Collectors have crosses that date back to the fifteenth century. Russian czars used Malachite for ornaments and paneling for their castles, and intricate inlay work.
Malachite is 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. “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 center of the room of Linda Hall Library.
Malachite is one the stones dedicated to Saint Francis of Assisi. The association is so great, that legend claims Malachite, held in the hand or worn as a jewel, will enable one to understand the language of the animals, and if one regularly drinks from a cup made of Malachite, it is possible to communicate with them.
Known as the stone of transformation, malachite assists us in times of change. Malachite will help manifest and direct change in our lives. Malachite is one of the oldest known stones, used for thousands of years for its healing and transforming properties.
This gemstone is said to absorb negative energy from the auric field and environment, cleansing it and thus balancing the wearer and protecting them from the effects of negative energies. This magical stone is also one of the few stones that will clear, balance, and activate all the chakras. Also known as the mirror of your soul, it is used for enhancing psychic ability.
Its healing powers work on the physical and emotional levels. Malachite extracts the impurities and contaminations, and stimulates life force throughout the aura and the chakras. It thereby creates a soothing and healing effect on the whole body and the vital internal organs.
It is reported to benefit sufferers of shyness. It balances emotions and assists in times of change. It alleviates procrastination and anxiety and promotes taking conscious, positive action. It clarifies and keeps clear your path and facilitates emotional healing. It assists in the manifestation of the heart’s desires.
Malachite draws to the surface that which is impeding spiritual growth so that work may begin. This stone will purge your solar plexus, release suppressed emotions, and facilitate incite.
Malachite strengthens intuition and can reveal the root of a problem. Malachite can be used for calming and grounding.
Witch Tip: Inherent in Malachite is lighter green eye-shaped forms or bands on its surface. These “eye stones,” believed to enhance great visionary powers, were used to ward off negative happenings.
This revitalizing stone can be used in spells of love, happiness, strength, purification, and loyalty. It stimulates internal energy and promotes harmony, and is excellent for meditation and dream work. Malachite increases your creative potential and stimulates your imagination. Some use it for scrying or to help with accessing other worlds.
Witch Tip: Should you suffer from insomnia, hold malachite one hour before you go to sleep and keep holding when you go to bed. Your sleep pattern will improve the first night and should return to normal after two weeks. Carrying hematite and amethyst can also help.
Malachite facilitates the release of negative experiences so one can heal and regain hope. It is very inspiring, purifying, and compassionate. It is a powerful heart chakra crystal that helps to open your heart up to all types of love. It is said to calm anxiety, help with a lack of discipline, and is great for emotional release.
This is a stone commonly used for healing by crystal healers. It promotes a constant flow of healing energy and thereby improves health. This stone is a powerful healer and helps absorb illness directly, treating infections, inflammation, skin diseases, anorexia, and is a very powerful healing force to the physical body. Malachite is often called the midwife stone because of its effectiveness in improving female problems such as menstrual cramps and diseases of the urinary and reproductive organs.
It is said to help with giving birth, relieving menstrual cramps, and overcoming sexual problems. It also assists arthritis and muscle pain.
This crystal should not be cleansed or charged in water as that would damage it.
From our altar to yours, with love from the sea,
