Malachite: The mineral malachite information and pictures Advertising Information The Mineral malachite Malachite is a popular mineral with its intense green color and beautiful banded masses. The banded specimens are formed by massive , botryoidal , reniform , and especially stalactitic Malachite that are dense intergrowths of tiny, fibrous needles. Dense banded specimens are often sliced and polished to bring out their beautiful coloring. The bands may consist of concentric rings with interesting patterns; such specimens are highly sought after. These concentric banded specimens are most commonly from African sources. Polished, banded Malachite has been carved into ornaments and worn as jewelry for thousands of years, and in some ancient civilizations it was thought to be a protection from evil when worn as jewelry. Malachite is generally found together with blue Azurite , and sometimes the two may occur admixed or banded together, forming what is commonly known in the gem and mineral trade as " Azure-Malachite ". Malachite may also replace Azurite crystals, retaining the original Azurite shape but chemically alter ing it. For additional information, see the gemstone section on Malachite .

USES When found in large pieces, the banded variety of Malachite makes a precious ornamental stone. Small ornamental objects, such as boxes and animal figures, are carved out of this compact stone, and if properly polished, they can be valuable. Malachite is also used as a minor gemstone, and is cut into cabochon s and fashioned into necklace beads. "Azure-malachite" is also used as gemstone and has the same gem applications as banded Malachite. Malachite is very popular among mineral collectors, especially interestingly shaped and banded specimens. It is also used as an ore of copper and crushed to make a green pigment. NOTEWORTHY LOCALITIES There are many places where fine Malachite comes from. Only the best will be mentioned here. Much of the original gem material, from which ornaments and jewelry were made since early times, was from the large deposits in Yekaterinburg Oblast in the Ural Mountains of Russia. Africa contains several outstanding Malachite deposits. The mines at Katanga (Shaba), especially at Kolwezi, in the D.R.

Congo (Zaire) produce Malachite in all sorts of odd shapes and forms, and are the source of the best banded , concentric , stalactitic and sparkling specimens. Tsumeb, Namibia, has also produced some of the best Malachite, especially Malachite pseudomorph s after Azurite . The Emke Mine in Ogonja, Namibia is also an outstanding Malachite locality. Morocco also contains fabulous Malachite sources, specifically in Touissit and Kerrouchene. Australia contains important Malachite localities at Burra Burra, South Australia; the Rum Jungle, Batchelor, Northern Territory; and the Sir Dominick Mine, Flinders Ranges, South Australia. A new specimen producer is China, where gorgeous Malachite comes from the Shilu Mine, Yangchun, Guangdong Province, with amazing stalactite s worthy of special mention. Chessy, in the Rhône-Alpes, France, is an old and classic locality, where excellent pseudomorph s of Malachite after Cuprite occur in octahedral and even dodecahedral crystals.

Malachite from Brazil is especially prolific in Seabra, Bahia; and popular Mexican Malachite deposits include El Cobre, Concepcion del Oro, Zacatecas; and the now popular Milpillas Mine, Cananea, in Sonora. In the U.S., Arizona is by far the most prolific producer of Malachite, and the mines at Bisbee, Cochise Co., are well known among all collectors for their outstanding variety and quality of Malachite. Other important Arizona localities are Morenci, Greenlee Co.; Ajo, Pima Co.; Mammoth-Saint Anthony, Tiger, Pinal Co.; and the Globe-Miami District, Gila Co. Malachite: Uses and properties of the mineral and gemstone Home » Minerals » Malachite Malachite Used as an ore of copper, a pigment, a gemstone, and a sculptural material for thousands of years. Malachite Gemstones: A malachite cabochon (30x40 millimeter) and a malachite puffed heart, both cut from rough mined in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

This oval cabochon shows the agate-like banding in various shades of green that is typical of malachite. The puffed heart shows concentric structures. What is Malachite? Malachite is a green copper carbonate hydroxide mineral with a chemical composition of Cu2(CO3)(OH)2. It was one of the first ores used to produce copper metal. It is of minor importance today as an ore of copper because it is usually found in small quantities and can be sold for higher prices for other types of use. Malachite has been used as a gemstone and sculptural material for thousands of years and is still popular today. Today it is most often cut into cabochons or beads for jewelry use. Malachite has a green color that does not fade over time or when exposed to light. Those properties, along with its ability to be easily ground to a powder, made malachite a preferred pigment and coloring agent for thousands of years. Botryoidal Malachite: Close-up of botryoidal malachite in a seafoam green color from Bisbee, Arizona. This view spans an area of the specimen about 5 millimeters wide and high.

Specimen and photo by Arkenstone / . Where Does Malachite Form? Malachite is a mineral that forms at shallow depths within the Earth, in the oxidizing zone above copper deposits. It precipitates from descending solutions in fractures, caverns, cavities, and the intergranular spaces of porous rock. It often forms within limestone where a subsurface chemical environment favorable for the formation of carbonate minerals can occur. Associated minerals include azurite , bornite , calcite , chalcopyrite , copper , cuprite , and a variety of iron oxides. Some of the first malachite deposits to be exploited were located in Egypt and Israel. Over 4000 years ago, they were mined and used to produce copper. Material from these deposits was also used to produce gemstones, sculptures, and pigments. Several large deposits in the Ural Mountains of Russia were aggressively mined, and they supplied abundant gem and sculptural material in the 1800s. Very little is produced from these deposits today. Much of the malachite entering the lapidary market today is from deposits in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Smaller amounts are produced in Australia, France, and Arizona.

Stalactitic malachite: A specimen of stalactitic malachite from the Kasompi Mine, Democratic Republic of the Congo. The specimen is approximately 21 x 16 x 12 centimeters in size. Specimen and photo by Arkenstone / . Physical Properties of Malachite A minor ore of copper. Gemstones, small sculptures, pigment. Physical Properties of Malachite Malachite's most striking physical property is its green color. All specimens of the mineral are green and range from a pastel green, to a bright green, to an extremely dark green that is almost black. It is typically found as stalactites and botryoidal coatings on the surfaces of underground cavities - similar to the deposits of calcite found in caves. When these materials are cut into slabs and pieces, the sawn surfaces often exhibit banding and eyes that are similar to agate . Malachite is rarely found as a crystal, but when found, the crystals are usually acicular to tabular in shape. The crystals are bright green in color, translucent, with a vitreous to adamantine luster. Non-crystalline specimens are opaque, usually with a dull to earthy luster.

Malachite is a copper mineral, and that gives malachite a high specific gravity that ranges from 3.6 to 4.0. This property is so striking for a green mineral that malachite is easy to identify. Malachite is one of a small number of green minerals that produces effervescence in contact with cold, dilute hydrochloric acid . It is also a soft mineral with a Mohs hardness of 3.5 to 4.0. Painting with Malachite: Pietro Perugino (c. 1446-1523) used malachite pigment when painting the green garment colors in his Nativity (c. 1503). He used "Verona green earth" pigment for the grass. The deeper green color of malachite gave the garments a contrasting and more vivid appearance. The best way to learn about minerals is to study with a collection of small specimens that you can handle, examine, and observe their properties. Inexpensive mineral collections are available in the Geology.com Store . Malachite Pigment: A photograph looking down into a jar of malachite pigment.

This pigment was produced from malachite mined near the city of Nizhniy Tagil, in the Ural Mountains of Russia. It has a particle size of 20 microns. We obtained this pigment from NaturalPigments.com. Malachite as a Pigment Malachite has been used as a pigment for thousands of years. It was one of the oldest known green pigments to be used in paintings. The mineral malachite is an excellent material for producing a powdered pigment because it can easily be ground into a fine powder, it mixes easily with vehicles, and it retains its color well when exposed to light over time. Alternative names for malachite pigment include copper green, Bremen green, Olympian green, green verditer, green bice, Hungarian green, mountain green, and iris green. Malachite pigment is found in the paintings of Egyptian tombs and in paintings produced throughout Europe during the 15th and 16th centuries. Its use declined significantly in the 17th century as alternative green colors were developed. Today, malachite pigment is sold by a few manufacturers who specialize in providing materials to painters who practice historically accurate techniques.

Azurmalachite: Cabochons of azurmalachite showing nice patterns of azurite (blue) and malachite (green). They were cut from material produced at the Morenci Mine in Arizona. These cabs were cut from thin vein material and have a natural wall-rock backing. Both cabs are about 25 millimeters tall. Banded Malachite: Two views of a specimen of botryoidal malachite - one external and one internal polished surface. This photo pair shows how agate-like bands and eyes of malachite occur beneath a botryoidal structure. This specimen was collected near Katanga, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Photograph by Didier Descouens. Used here under a Creative Commons License . Malachite as a Gem Material The vivid green color, bright polished luster, banding and eyes of malachite make it very popular as a gemstone. It is cut into cabochons , used to produce beads, sliced into inlay material, sculpted into ornamental objects, and used to manufacture tumbled stones . Small boxes made from slices of malachite are attractive and popular.

Some of the most spectacular gem-quality malachite involves intergrowths, inclusions, and admixtures of malachite with other copper minerals such as azurite ( azurmalachite ), chrysocolla, turquoise , and pseudomalachite (eilat stone). Malachite's use as gem and ornamental stone is limited by its properties. It has perfect cleavage and a Mohs hardness of 3.5 to 4. These limit its use to items that will not suffer abrasion and impact. It is also sensitive to heat and reacts with weak acids. These properties further limit its use and require care during cleaning, repair, and maintenance. Malachite is sometimes treated with wax to fill small voids and improve its luster. Synthetic malachite has been produced and used to make jewelry and small sculptures. Poorly done synthetics are often recognized by their unnatural color. The better synthetics can usually be recognized because their banding and eyes do not have a natural geometry. An experienced person can identify most of the synthetic and imitation materials on sight. More Minerals Color: Mineral Properties - The Mineral and Gemstone Kingdom MINERAL PROPERTIES: COLOR Color is the most eye-catching feature of many minerals.

Some minerals will always have a similar color, such as Gold , whereas some minerals, such as Quartz and Calcite , come in all colors. The presence and intensity of certain element s will determines a specific mineral's color. Minerals with an inherent color (i.e. all specimens of the mineral are the same color) have essential elements in them which cause their color. Good examples are Azurite and Malachite , which have their strong blue and green color due to their copper in their atomic structure . But there are many minerals which have slight additions of color-causing elements in some specimens that cause it to be a different color. For example, pure Quartz (SiO2), is colorless, whereas Amethyst , a purple variety of quartz, has its purple color caused by traces of the element iron. The amount of iron present determines the intensity of the color. Certain minerals exhibit a color change when exposed to light, heat, radiation , or when atomic anominalies are present. Red Realgar transforms into yellow Paraealgar upon repeated exposure to light. Some minerals, such as Proustite and Vivianite , darken upon prolonged exposure to light, whereas other minerals, such as Kunzite fade.

Some minerals undergo color changes when put under intense heat. This method is commonly used in the gemstone industry to artificially enhance the color of many gemstones. For example, some varieties of Topaz , Beryl , and Corundum are heat treated to produce deep colored gemstones from duller stones. Radioactivity can also have an effect, as is the cause of the color of Smoky Quartz . Most secondary copper minerals show a bright blue or green color. Iron is usually responsible for dark red or brown colors, manganese and cobalt for pink, and chromium for deep green. Some minerals, such as Cassiterite and Zincite , have a chemical structure that would cause them to be colorless if pure , but due to impurities that are always present, they are never found colorless. Most secondary uranium minerals exhibit bright neon yellow or green colors. Often, a mineral has a coating or has been pseudomorph ed, causing it to exhibit the color of the replaced or coated mineral. Two common examples are a Hematite coating Quartz , which causes the Quartz to be red, and a Limonite pseudomorph after Pyrite . Minerals composed mostly of the elements aluminum, sodium, and potassium are usually colorless or very lightly colored.

In some cases, the color of a mineral may depend on its atomic bonding rather than composition , such as by Diamond and Graphite . Both these minerals have the same are formed from the same material (carbon), yet one is almost always white or very lightly colored, while the other is dark gray to black. Anominalies in the chemical structure of Halite are responsible for the deep blue and purple hues sometimes seen in this otherwise lightly colored mineral. Inclusion s of one mineral within a host mineral can also cause a color difference. Two fine examples are: 1) Chlorite inclusions in Quartz , causing the otherwise clear Quartz to be green. 2) Rutile inclusions in Quartz, which give the Quartz a golden hue. Several minerals tarnish or oxidize , thereby affecting their color. The best examples are: 1) Silver , which tarnishes black, yellow, or brown. 2) Copper , which oxidizes green. 3) Bornite and Chalcopyrite , which oxidizes an iridescent array of colors. Some minerals, such as Opal , display a multicolored effect when viewed from different angles. This is called opalescence , or "Play of Color".

A few minerals appear to change color when viewed in different light. Alexandrite , a variety of Chrysoberyl , is usually dark green in natural light, but takes on a purplish hue in artificial light. Other minerals will change color when viewed at different angles. This is called dichroism or pleochroism . Cordierite , the most famous dichroic mineral is bluish-purple, but turns gray when rotated or viewed at a different angle. The properties of opalescence , labradorescence , and dichroism , as well as other optical properties are explained in greater detail in the section " Other Properties ". Mineral colors may be artificially enhanced in various ways, especially when they are used as gemstones. This includes heating and irradiation (both previously mentioned), as well as dying. A few minerals, especially Agate , are sometimes dyed to enhance their color. How to use color as an identification mark Color alone will not normally identify a mineral, but it can be a very helpful factor. Many minerals come in a diversity of colors, and many different minerals have similar colors.

However, a few minerals can be identified solely by their color (usually in addition to crystal shape), for example Azurite , Rhodochrosite , and Dioptase . Such minerals are known as monochromatic minerals. Together with color, a crystal shape can identify most of the better known minerals. It is best to observe the mineral in good lighting, preferably daylight. Make sure not to observe a tarnis hed or discolored surface. Malachite Rock | eBay Malachite Rock Malachite is a stone of transformation and helps with change and spiritual evolution. Malachite is a stone that bridges the energy of the heart and root chakras. It is particularly useful for balancin... Condition: $39.00 0 bids Collected from Shaba Copper Belt Shaba Katanga Congo Zaire area. The Katanga, or Shaba, copperbelt in the DRC is a belt about 70 kilometres (43 mi) wide and 250 kilometres (160 mi) long between Lubumb... $3.00 Buy It Now LQQK for what looks good to us may not look good to you and what is important to you may not be to us.

$29.99 Buy It Now Malachite is a famous and very popular semi-precious stone. It is named for the Greek word for mallow, a green herb. Its banded light and dark green designs are one-of-a-kind, and give it a unique orn... $2.00 Buy It Now LQQK for what looks good to us may not look good to you and what is important to you may not be to us. $12.99 0 bids MALACHITE ON DOLOMITE MINERAL SPECIMEN. Nice sample of green malachite on dolomite. The forest green colored malachite stands out on the pinkish dolomite. $24.99 Buy It Now Malachite is a famous and very popular semi-precious stone. It is named for the Greek word for mallow, a green herb. Its banded light and dark green designs are one-of-a-kind, and give it a unique orn... $19.99 Buy It Now Azurite is the stone that awaken psychic ability, insight and intuition. Azurite is called the "stone of heaven.". It aids in developing psychic awareness, psychic skills and abilities, enhancing intu...

$14.99 Buy It Now These are GORGEOUS and the colors are electric vibrant colors. The photos have not been enhanced, the photos are the precise colors and they are stunning specimens. The purple is azurite, the green is... Buy It Now or Best Offer Malachite Lion. From a smoke-free and pet-free environment. you can see severalvery slight scratches -. on the “elbow” of right front leg;. There is also avery small surface blemish. (one just below t... $24.99 Buy It Now Malachite is a famous and very popular semi-precious stone. It is named for the Greek word for mallow, a green herb. Its banded light and dark green designs are one-of-a-kind, and give it a unique orn... $24.99 Buy It Now Malachite is a famous and very popular semi-precious stone. It is named for the Greek word for mallow, a green herb. Its banded light and dark green designs are one-of-a-kind, and give it a unique orn... Malachite: Malachite mineral information and data.

3½ - 4 Name: Named in antiquity (see Pliny the Elder, 79 CE) molochitus after the Greek μαλαχή, "mallows," in allusion to the green color of the leaves. Known in the new spelling, malachites, at least by 1661. Malachite is a green, very common secondary copper mineral with a widely variable habit. Typically it is found as crystalline aggregates or crusts, often banded in appearence, like agates. It is also often found as botryoidal clusters of radiating crystals, and as mammillary aggregates as well. Single crystals and clusters of distinguishable crystals are uncommon, but when found they are typically acicular to prismatic. It is also frequently found as a pseudomorph after Azurite crystals, which are generally more tabular in shape. The Cu analogue of chukanovite . Structurally related to the Rosasite Group .

Color in Minerals Color in Minerals Our Mission is Simple: RMS will be the go-to portal for all Mineral, Gem and Rock shows in the USA Color in Minerals Definition The recognition of colors in minerals goes back to our pre-historic ancestors who used charcoal and iron oxides to color cave paintings which still retain their original intensity. Idiochromatic minerals are "self colored" due to their composition. The color is a constant and predictable component of the mineral. Examples are blue Azurite, red Cinnabar, and green Malachite. Allochromatic minerals are "other colored" due to trace impurities in their composition or defects in their structure. In this case, the color is a variable and unpredictable property of the mineral. Examples are the blue in Amazonite (orthoclase), yellow in Heliodor (spodumene) and the rose in rose quartz. Pseudochromatic minerals are "false colored" due to tricks in light diffraction. In these cases, color is variable but a unique property of the mineral. Examples are the colors produced by precious opal and the shiller reflections of labradorite. Table of mineral colors linked to mineral lists.

Color Malachite Meanings and Uses | Crystal Vaults Malachite Meanings and Uses The Healing Energies, Metaphysical Properties, Legendary Uses and Meaning Introduction to the Meaning and Uses of Malachite Malachite, with its beautiful, rich green color, leaves no doubt of its importance as a jewel. Its opaque strength and power demands respect, mesmerizing the viewer. Yet the movement, flow and energy in its lines, circles and designs soothe and welcome. It is spiritually inviting. Malachite personifies the deep healing green of nature and represents the innate beauty of flowers, trees, roots and plants. It manifests a deep Devic green which rules the material plane. [Raphaell, 144] It is a Stone of Transformation, assisting one in changing situations and providing for spiritual growth. [Melody, 395] It heals on physical and emotional levels, drawing out impurities and stimulating the Life Force throughout the aura and body. [Ahsian, 248] The name Malachite may come from the Greek word malakee, or malache, signifying the resemblance of Mallow leaves, or from the Greek word malakos, meaning soft.

[Fernie, 167][Simmons, 247] Being a carbonate of copper, Malachite is sometimes intergrown with Azurite, forming Malachite-Azurite, or with Chrysocolla, forming Malachite-Chrysocolla. [Simmons, 247] Well known to ancient Egyptians, Malachite mines were in use between the Suez and Sinai as early as 4000 B.C. [Kunz, 97] 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. Russian czars used Malachite for ornaments and paneling for their castles, and intricate inlay work. [Simmons, 247] 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.

They were stones of security and protection for children, and their most remarkable association today is the ability to warn of impending danger by breaking into pieces. [Mella, 90] Malachite Uses and Purposes - Overview Malachite is a protection stone, absorbing negative energies and pollutants from the atmosphere and from the body. It guards against radiation of all kinds, clears electromagnetic pollution and heals earth energies. [Hall, 183] Keep near microwaves in the kitchen and televisions in living areas. In the workplace Malachite protects against noise, over-bright fluorescent lighting, and harmful rays from technological equipment, negative phone calls and emails. [Eason, 283] As a stone of travel, Malachite protects and overcomes fears of flying if you empower the crystal before a trip by holding it and envisioning yourself in the wings of the Archangel, Raphael. It helps with jet lag, encourages smooth business travel, and protects in travel on congested highways. [Eason, 42, 283] Malachite is known for being a stone of support for airplane and airline workers as a protection against accidents, miners for protection from unexplained accidents, and for secretaries to stimulate clear thinking.

[Mella, 129,132-133] Malachite Healing Therapies - Overview (Please note: Information on this web site is no substitute for consulting a health care professional. All information contained on this web site, including information relating to medical and health conditions, products and treatments, is for informational purposes only. Please see your doctor or health care professional before starting any alternative treatments, diets, supplements or exercise programs.) Malachite must be handled with caution! Malachite is toxic and should be used only in its polished form. Avoid breathing its dust. [Hall, 185] Malachite Physical Healing Energy 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] We must again warn you: 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. Malachite Emotional Healing Energy As a stone of transformation, Malachite encourages change and emotional risk-taking. It shows what is blocking your spiritual growth, draws out deep feelings and psychosomatic causes, then allows you to break unwanted ties and outworn patterns.

It encourages the expression of feelings, alleviating shyness and teaching the responsibility for one's own thoughts and actions. It supports friendships and empathy for other people. [Hall, 183-4] Malachite helps battle depression and anxiety, gives resistance to emotional blackmail and heals emotional abuse, especially when suffered in childhood. It also encourages healthy relationships based on love and not need. [Eason, 283] Malachite assists in overcoming fear of confrontation, or fear of being seen or noticed, and helps one find the strength within to assume their rightful place in the Universe. [Ahsian, 248] Malachite Chakra Healing and Balancing Energy With its pure energy rays of green, Malachite is dedicated to the Heart Chakra. Located near the center of the breastbone, it regulates our interaction with the external world and controls what we embrace and what we resist. It gives us the balancing ability to be ourselves within the environment. When the heart chakra is out of balance you may feel either controlling or controlled in a relationship, and become critical of the little foibles of others. You may well find yourself having inappropriately strong emotional responses to everyday external stimuli.

Green crystal energy is used to resolve blockages and to re-balance the heart chakra, helping us understand our own needs and emotions clearly. We can deal with the ebbs and flows of emotional relationships, understand their cyclic nature, and accept the changes. Malachite is helpful to clear and activate other chakras. Placed on the Third Eye, it activates visualization and psychic vision. Placed on the solar plexus, it facilitates deep emotional healing, releasing negative experiences and old traumas. [Hall, 183] Malachite Spiritual Energy Malachite has the ability to serve different purposes for different people. For those highly evolved and dedicated to humanitarian purposes, it assists in grounding higher energies onto the planet for those purposes. For those in a purification process, Malachite acts as a purger and a mirror to the subconscious, reflecting into the conscious mind that which needs to be cleansed. This stone is dense and nontransparent, absorbing energy instead of emitting it. Place Malachite stones over areas that are diseased or painful, to draw out the negative energy and surface the causes for it. Because of the absorbing properties, it is important to cleanse the stones after such use.

[Raphaell, 144] Malachite can be a powerful ally for those waiting for their reality to change. It reminds us we have come here to co-create with the Universe, and helps in identifying the steps necessary to bring dreams, visions and wishes into physical reality. [Ahsian, 248] Malachite stimulates dreams and brings memories vividly to life. [Hall, 184] It is also an excellent stone for the re-birthing process, providing easy disposal of opposing encounters. [Melody, 395] Malachite Color Energy Malachite, with its pure Green Ray of Influence, is a "growth crystal" - a powerful conduit of the earth's Life Force of birth, development, and creation, and of the power of nature's constant renewal. It is a potent aid in nurturing, whether of fledgling family relationships or a new business venture. Green talismans are perfect for keeping a venture on course, a project on schedule, and life on track. Lighter Malachite crystals promote spiritual growth and renewed commitment to a higher purpose. Those of a darker hue are talismans of physical growth and strength, and safety in travel.

Meditation with Malachite Malachite reveals the truth about oneself and brings to the surface that which is unknown or unseen to the conscious mind. When used, worn or meditated upon, it will draw out and reflect whatever is impeding spiritual growth, and is best used in conjunction with meditation to help balance and release the debris that is revealed. [Raphaell, 145] To break negative patterns of behavior, speak your fears and sorrows aloud daily as you hold the crystal, then, leave it in a sheltered place outdoors overnight to carry away the fears. [Eason, 283] Some practitioners have used Malachite in meditations to get in touch with the Earth Mother. Holding one and sitting quietly on the ground for a few minutes helps many people to be more aware of the earth as a living organism upon whom we are totally dependent. Malachite Divination Malachite can be used for scrying. Journeying through its convoluted patterns releases the mind, assisting in receiving insights from the subconscious or messages from the future.

[Hall, 183] Malachite and the Angelic Realm If your birthday falls in any of the following periods, a Malachite can be a valuable conduit to your Guardian Angel. The table also provides the name of the Guardian Angel of those born in the time period. Date Malachite Goddess Crystals Malachite honors Hathor , the Egyptian Goddess of Joy and Fertility. She is often honored as a special Goddess of Musicians, and as the "Lady of Malachite" she is the patron of Egyptian miners. Azurite/Malachite honors Isis, the Egyptian Goddess of Life, the most important goddess of Egyptian mythology. She is widely honored as a Goddess that brings the power of the divine feminine. Malachite and azurite bring together the green of the earth and the blue of the sky, as Isis is the daughter of Earth and Sky. Crystals of green also honor Persephone , the Greek Goddess of Spring. She represents celebration and the Earth alive with new growth. Birthstones There are several ways to find an appropriate birthstone. The traditional one is listed first. These are from the popular lists that most people are familiar with.

The second way is to find your natural birthstone by the color wheel of life. You can click on the Natural Birthstone graphic below to learn more. Finally many people use the traditional stones of the Zodiac. In this section you will find information on all three approaches. Malachite is not the traditional birthstone of any month. Malachite Natural Birthstone. Malachite, with its beautiful green color, is one of the natural birthstones for those born in mid spring (20 April - 20 May). Green crystals bring you renewal, success in new ventures, and good health. Malachite - Zodiac Stone of Taurus Malachite is one of the zodiac stones for those born in the heart of spring, under the sign of Taurus, from 20 April - 20 May. Taureans are known for being "down to Earth," the doers and the realists. They are affectionate, known for their tempers and very stubborn. Since Malachite is a stone of fertility, it develops the creative potential of all the signs to varying degrees.

Wearing Malachite strengthens the love earthy Taurus feels for the natural world, Scorpio's animal nature transforms into a productive creative force, and the creativity unleashed in Cancer is spectacular for artists, painters, and musicians. [Megemont, 120] Malachite Amulets and Talismans 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. 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. [Kunz, 97] At one time, the appropriate design to be engraved upon a 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.

[Kunz, 97] 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. [Kunz, 137] Malachite is a Guardian Builder Crystal. The Guardian talismans do not reveal their inner strength. These stones rarely, if ever, form transparent crystals. Rather, they hide their strength behind an opaque mask, obscuring the power they possess. In the physical world they are fantastic amulets for protecting your loved ones, your possessions, and your physical security. Combined with the Earth Power of a Builder, these crystals are perfect aids in building up wealth, or improving our lot in life both materially and spiritually. They help in development efforts, in learning new skills and knowledge, and in building new relationships. Malachite Feng Shui Malachite utilizes Wood energy, the energy of growth, expansion, new beginnings, nourishment and health.

It enhances vitality, brings abundance, and keeps us growing physically. Use green crystals to enhance any space used for eating, in the room of a small child, or in a place of your home where you are beginning a new project. Wood energy is traditionally associated with the East and Southeast areas of a home or room. It is associated with the Family and Health area, and the Prosperity and Abundance area. Malachite in Ancient Lore and Legend Malachite is one of the oldest known stones, used for thousands of years for its healing and transforming properties. In ancient Egypt, Malachite was 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. [Raphaell, 143] 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.

[Mella, 90] 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. [Megemont, 119] It was believed that a piece of the stone attached to an infant's cradle, would keep away all evil spirits and the child would sleep soundly and peacefully. [Kunz, 97] The gemstone was often worn by children as a talisman, protecting them from bad dreams while giving them a greater sense of emotional security. [Mella, 90] 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.

[Megemont, 119] Footnote References The symbols [ ] enclose the author's name and a page number for a reference cited from the following books: [Ahsian, pp.] Robert Simmons & Naisha Ahsian, The Book of Stones (Berkley, CA: North Atlantic Books, 2007). [Eason, pp. ]Cassandra Eason, The New Crystal Bible (London: Carlton Books Ltd., 2010). [Fernie, pp.] William T. Fernie, The Occult and Curative Powers of Precious Stones (Blauvelt, NY: Rudolph Steiner Publications, 1973). [Gienger, pp.] Michael Gienger, Healing Crystals (Scotland: Earthdancer Books, 2009). [Hall, pp.] Judy Hall, The Crystal Bible (Cincinnati, OH: Walking Stick Press, 2003). [Hall 2, pp.]Judy Hall, The Crystal Bible 2 (Cincinnati, OH: Walking Stick Press, 2009).

[Megemont, pp.] Florence Megemont, The Metaphysical Book of Gems and Crystals (Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press, 2008). [Mella, pp.] Dorothee L. Mella, Stone Power II (Albuquerque, NM: Brotherhood of Life, Inc., 1986). [Melody, pp.] Melody, Love Is In The Earth (Wheat Ridge, CO: Earth-Love Publishing House, 1995). [Raphaell, pp.] Katrina Raphaell, Crystal Enlightenment (Santa Fe, NM: Aurora Press, 1985) [Simmons, pp.] Robert Simmons & Naisha Ahsian, The Book of Stones (Berkley, CA: North Atlantic Books, 2007). Cochise College Phy These minerals can be identified by their distinct physical properties. Refer to Photos of Minerals for more visual examples of each of these minerals. Muscovite mica is colorless to a very pale brown in color. It peels easily into very thin, flexible, elastic sheets that are nearly colorless. Muscovite is also known as white mica.

Biotite mica ranges from dark brown to black. It also peels in very thin, flexible, elastic sheets like muscovite mica. Biotite is also known as black mica. Sulfur has a distinctive bright lemon yellow color. It may be either transparent or translucent. Sulfur has no cleavage and will break with a conchoidal fracture (shell-like). Sulfur is brittle (breaks easily). It may also have traces of a sulfury odor. Pyrite is also known as "fools gold" because it has a yellow metallic color. Pyrite can be distinguished from native gold by several different properties. Pyrite is much harder than gold; it cannot be scratched by a steel straight pin. Pyrite is brittle; it can be crushed to a powder, whereas gold simply flattens out because it is a metal. A streak test can also distinguish pyrite from gold; pyrite produces a greenish black streak and gold produces a yellow streak. 5. magnetite Magnetite is dark brown to black mineral. It is easy to identify because it is the only common mineral that can be picked up by a magnet. It produces a black streak.

Hematite ranges in color from a powdery brownish red to black to a metallic black. A black specimen of hematite can closely resemble magnetite, but hematite is not magnet and it produces a brownish red streak. Powdered hematite is used as rouge. 7. galena Galena has a metallic luster and is gray in color. Its most outstanding feature is its high density; a sample of galena is much heavier than other minerals of the same size. Galena is a lead ore. Galena also has three directions of cleavage at right angles to each other; it breaks into shiny metallic-looking cubes. 8. olivine Olivine is a transparent to translucent mineral with a distinct yellow green color. It often occurs as clusters of small grains in a dark, fine-grained volcanic rock known as a basalt. Olivine grains only rarely get up to pea-sized. Olivine has not cleavage and breaks with a conchoidal fracture. If the material is clear and solid enough, it can be cut and polished and becomes the gemstone olivine. 9. azurite Azurite is a bright blue mineral associated with copper ore.

It may occur with green malachite, also a copper ore. It is relatively soft at 3.5 on Mohs scale of hardness. 10. malachite Malachite is a rich green to dark green copper mineral. It can occur on its own or with azurite, a mineral that it is closely related to in chemistry. It is relatively soft at 3.5 on Mohs scale of hardness. 11. talc Talc is the softest mineral; it can be easily scratched with you fingernail. It may have a pearly luster. Talc is often described as having a greasy or soapy feel to it. Talc is commonly white, but can also be a pale green or pale pink. You might get talc and gypsum confused because they can have similar appearances. Gypsum is a soft, light-colored mineral. Its color can be colorless and transparent (selenite) or white, pale pink or pale brown. If crystallized, it displays one direction of excellent cleavage, but the cleavage fragments are much thicker than those of mica and the fragments are not elastic. Generally, it lacks the greasy feel of talc.

One form of gypsum tends to form with a fibrous structure (satinspar). 13, 14, 15, and 16 are varieties of the mineral quartz. Milky quartz is white quartz. The white color comes from carbon dioxide gas trapped within the quartz structure. Milky quartz is usually massive, but well well-formed crystals are also common. In the Huachuca mountains, milky quartz occurs a a filling material in fractures (mineral veins). All quartz has a hardness of 7 on Mohs scale of hardness and can easily scratch glass. Milky quartz is shiny and translucent. Quartz has no cleavage and breaks with a fracture that ranges from conchoidal to irregular. Rose quartz is a variety of massive, translucent quartz with a pink color. It has no cleavage, it breaks with a conchoidal fracture, and it has a shiny surface. Depending on quality, it can be used as a gemstone or a decorative garden stone. Two major occurrences of rose quartz are Maine and the Black Hills of South Dakota. 15. amethyst Amethyst is purple quartz. It can occur as well-formed quartz crystals in geodes or deformed crystals in a mineral vein.

If the quality is high enough, amethyst is used as a gemstone. The luster of amethyst is usually vitreous (shiny). 16. agate Agate is a cryptocrystalline variety of quartz; this means that the actual fibers of quartz are so small that they can barely be seen with a regular microscope. Agate commonly forms as a series of colored bands and rough agate has a dull to waxy texture. Agate polishes to a high gloss and is a semi-precious gemstone. Orthoclase feldspar is a common silicate mineral. It is responsible for the pink to red colors found in the igneous rock, granite. The most common color of orthoclase is salmon (pinkish orange), but it may also more rarely be white or a pale bluish-green (amazonite). Orthoclase grains are commonly less than one eighth of an inch. Large, pure pieces of orthoclase display two directions of cleavage oriented at right angles to each other. Orthoclase has a hardness of 6 on Mohs scale of hardness and therefore can be scratched by a piece of quartz. 18. calcite Calcite is a very common mineral.

The difficulty in identifying it is that can occur in a very large variety of colors and forms. One of the most common forms of calcite crystals are pointy pyramids that resemble a dog's canine tooth (dogtoothspar). Large, pure pieces of crystalline calcite display three directions of cleavage that are inclined (not at 90 degrees). Calcite ranges from transparent to translucent. Colors may be colorless, white, cream, pale yellow, yellow-brown, brown, and even red due to impurities. The easiest way to distinguish calcite is with an acid test; concentrated hydrochloric acid with cause abundant bubbles to form as it reacts with the calcite. It is sometimes easy to mistake fluorite for calcite on a quick examination. However, if you pay careful attention, fluorite has four directions of cleavage compared to three directions of cleavage for calcite. Fluorite is also harder than calcite (4 on Mohs scale of hardness) and can scratch a piece of calcite. Fluorite is often more colorful than calcite and can be purple, green, yellow, pink, brown, or colorless and may even show two or more colors on the same specimen.

Fluorite crystals are usually cubes or octahedrons. Above all, fluorite does not fizz in contact with hydrochloric acid. 20. graphite Graphite is a very soft, dark gray mineral with a semi-metallic luster. It has a greasy feel and you can write on a piece of paper with it. It is this last physical property that is responsible for this mineral being used in pencils. Colors in Minerals How minerals get their colors Colors in Minerals Item# colors Color is the first thing most people notice about minerals and the reason that they make great jewelry. Minerals appear naturally in an infinite rainbow of color hues. Some minerals are always the same color, others can be many different colors, and some like opals and labradorite change color in different lights. Minerals have been the source for color pigments in paleo-lithic cave paintings and modern cosmetics. Some minerals have even named their colors � think azure(ite) blue. What gives minerals their fantastical colors?

It all boils down to four reasons: 1.) Chemical composition 3.) Inclusions of other minerals or elements, and 4.) Environmental impact 1) Chemical composition: Certain elements (particularly heavy metals) strongly absorb portions of the light spectrum and therefore appear to have certain colors. Minerals that are based on these elements will be consistently �self-colored� or idiochromatic. Although still subject to the effects of trace elements, the mineral�s color is constant and predictable. Copper (Cu) in different oxides and in different crystal forms produces the teal blue in turquoise CuAl6(PO4)4(OH)8�4H2O, the azure blue color of azurite Cu3(CO3)2(OH)2, and the vivid green in malachite Cu2CO3(OH)2 Manganese (Mn) produces the pink color of rhodochrosite MnCO3 and mercury (Hg) makes cinnabar HgS red (and toxic!).

The violet red of erythrite Co3(AsO4)2�8H2O is from its cobalt (Co) Chromium (Cr) produces the color orange-red color of crocoite PbCrO4 , but the red-orange color of vanadinite Pb5(VO4)3Cl is caused by its Vanadium (V) 2. Chemical Impurities: All natural minerals contain minute impurities. This means that in addition to their chemical composition, they have trace quantities of other elements (often less than 1% of their mass) that have been incorporated into the mineral as it formed. Many minerals get their color from these impurities and are called �other colored� or allochromatic. Common coloring elements are titanium (Ti), vanadium (V), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), and copper (Cu). As the amount and type of impurities varies, so do the colors seen in that mineral. For example, pure quartz SiO2, is colorless, but add some iron (Fe) impurities and it turns into purple amethyst. Add instead Fe3+ and you get yellow citrine.

Mix some trace amounts of titanium or manganese to pure quartz and you have pink rose quartz. If we take one (relatively boring) mineral beryl Be3Al2(SiO3)6 and add different impurities in different oxidation states, we get some fabulous gems in different colors: Beryl and Fe++ = Aquamarine (blue) Beryl and Fe+++ = Heliodor (yellow) Beryl and Mn++ = Morganite (pink) Beryl and Cr+++ = Emerald (green) 3) Inclusions of other minerals or elements: Inclusions of one mineral within a host mineral can also cause a color difference. Quartz has many examples of color changes due to inclusions. Chlorite inclusions in quartz cause it to turn green. Rutile inclusions give it a golden hue. Milky quartz is the most common form of quartz and gets its color because of minute fluid inclusions of gas and/or liquid trapped during the crystal formation. 4) Environmental impact: Certain minerals change color when exposed to light, heat, or radiation. Red realgar transforms into yellow paraealgar upon repeated exposure to light.

Some minerals, such as proustite and vivianite, darken upon prolonged exposure to light, whereas other minerals, such as kunzite fade. Some minerals change color when heated (a common technique to artificially enhance the color of many gemstones.) Naturally occurring or artificially applied radiation can also have an effect � smoky quartz being the most common example. Finally, some minerals change color when they tarnish or oxidize: silver tarnishes black, yellow, or brown; copper oxidizes green; and chalcopyrite oxidizes to an iridescent array of colors.

Question: What colour is the mineral rock malachite?
Answer: Green