MALACHITE

HISTORY

In ancient Egypt the color green was associated with death and the power of resurrection, as well as with 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. Malachite mines were in use between the Suez and Sinai as early as 4000 B.C. [Kunz, 97] Malachite was also popular with the ancient Greeks and Romans, for jewelry, ornaments, and in powdered form, for eye shadow. Malachite was used as a mineral pigment in green paints from antiquity until c. 1800.

During the Middle Ages, Malachite was believed to protect against the “Evil Eye” and to cure various stomach ailments. Russian czars used Malachite for ornaments, paneling for their castles, and intricate inlay work. [Simmons, 247]

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. It was customary to wear it engraved with a figure, or symbol of the Sun, to maintain health and to avert depression.

COMPOSITION

Malachite is a copper carbonate hydroxide mineral, with the formula Cu2CO3 (OH)2. This opaque, green-banded mineral crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system, 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.

HARDNESS

Mohs Scale Hardness: 3.5 - 4

The Mohs scale of mineral hardness is a qualitative ordinal scale characterizing scratch resistance of various minerals through the ability of harder material to scratch softer material.

Malachite is an effective remedy for female problems, especially regulating the menstrual cycle and cramps, and for easing labor. [Megemont, 119] It has been called the Midwife Stone. It resonates with the female sexual organs, and treats sexual dis-ease, especially when caused by traumatic past experiences. [Hall, 184]

Malachite relieves cold sweats, malaria, trembling and Parkinson’s disease, and helps with asthma, intestinal problems and rheumatic pain. It is a diuretic stone and can help cure kidney and gallstones. It fights osteoarthritis, most notably in the spine, and strengthens memory, especially for those with short-term memory loss who forget the names of people right after hearing them. [Megemont, 119-120]

Known to lower blood pressure, Malachite also treats epilepsy, travel sickness and vertigo. It helps in the healing of fractures, swollen joints, growths, tumors, torn muscles and broken bones. It enhances the immune system and stimulates the liver to release toxins. [Hall, 184-185][Eason, 283]

Warning: use only polished Malachite. Do not use any Malachite elixir. Do not place any malachite in your mouth. If you use this stone, use common sense. Place it on the body with a small cloth under it. It’s healing powers will not be diminished.