Do you know the fragile ornamental stone malachite? It is said to grant the wish of its owner. It attracts many craftsmen to create artistic values. This mineral is great for making jewelry and decorative items. After all, it is the most beautiful stone among minerals of all shades of green. In addition, it is also patterned. Its shades are poured with magnificent natural ornament, resembling a unique lace pattern. Well, we invite you to plunge into the history of the discovery of the stone, find out what malachite looks like and what miraculous properties it has.
Historical information about the stone
Natural malachite is a mineral that is hydrous copper carbonate. It combines practical use and natural beauty. Even in the Neolithic era, ancient times, it was used as a copper ore. In those days, copper could only be mined from malachite. The development of this metal was the beginning of a new period in history - the Eneolithic. People have learned to smelt copper needles, jewelry,spear and arrowheads. A person who had a lot of copper mined from malachite held a high status in society.
The ancient Egyptians and the inhabitants of Israel actively discovered more and more new deposits. The Egyptians ground malachite into powder, added fat there and got eye shadow. This wonderful gem served as an active development of crafts, the spread of agriculture and animal husbandry. In Egypt, the named stone was associated with the name of the goddess Hathor. She was considered the patroness of female beauty and fertility.
Why is there such an interesting name - "malachite"? The first version is from the word "mallow", because the appearance of the stone in the cut is very similar to the leaf of this flower. Another version is from the ancient Greek word malakos meaning "soft".
What does malachite look like?
The stone was endowed with extraordinary beauty by copper and geological processes in nature. This mineral grows randomly. It constantly alternates dark and light layers. The optical properties of each stone are different, and in the cut you can see amazing stains of all shades of green.
Malachite is a valuable ornamental material. You are curious to know what malachite looks like. Its crystals are formed in the form of thin needles that do not grow one by one, but by whole families. They start growing from the center and turn into radiant balls, which are called spherulites. Over time, they grow on top of each other and form intergrowths in the form of clusters. Their growth depends on different copper solutions, soeach layer of the mineral has its own color. Quality is determined by how malachite looks:
- Turquoise color. It has a solid structure, which is why it is appreciated by craftsmen.
- With velvet and fleece effect. It is very grainy and difficult to process.
- "Curly" mineral. The streak patterns of this stone resemble birch leaves swaying in the wind.
Malachite color
This mineral has many similarities to turquoise, it does not have one pure color. Malachite is one of the most beautiful green tones. One shade of green is replaced by another. Sometimes these transitions are clearer, and sometimes less noticeable. Look at the photo of malachite and you will see how the bluish green color changes to bright green, then turns into a bottle. and then dark green, almost black.
If you polish a cut of malachite, you can simply admire its patterns. There you can see peculiar rings, waves, weaves of stripes. Samples with a pattern of thin concentric rings are of high value. They are also called "peacock eye". The whole effect of malachite is in its unique stripes of all shades of green. Depending on the pattern, malachite happens:
- loop;
- tape;
- cockade;
- streamy.
Description of physical and chemical properties
What is the common mineral - malachite? 57% of this stone is copper bicarbonate. The rest is calcium oxides,phosphorus and silicon. It also contains carbon monoxide and water.
The mineral has an opaque matte, velvety or silky sheen. The crystal can split, after which spherocrystals are formed. If you heat a vessel with malachite, then water vapor and carbon dioxide will be released from it, and only black copper oxide will remain. Malachite also dissolves well in acids.
The main deposits of malachite in different countries
The mineral is allowed to make not only jewelry, handicrafts, but also for finishing work. In Russia, most of this gem is mined in the Ural Mountains. There are many already discovered, as well as still unexplored deposits. And in the world, the largest volume of production falls on the Congo. Many deposits of malachite have also been found in North America, England, Mexico, Namibia and Kazakhstan.
In Russia, the processing of malachite began in the XVII century. Then huge malachite monoliths were found at the Gumishevsky mine. Since then, the mineral has been used to decorate expensive palace interiors.
In the 19th century, Russians began to bring dozens of tons of malachite from the Urals. Those who have been to the State Hermitage have seen the famous Malachite Hall, which was decorated with 2 tons of green mineral. The Catherine Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace is also decorated with this gem. The altar of St. Isaac's Cathedral is decorated with malachite columns of amazing size (10 m high) and beauty.
Miraculous abilities of the stone
More sinceancient times, our ancestors knew about the healing and magical abilities of malachite. The stone helps to get rid of skin diseases, as well as diseases of the joints and bones. When worn, a malachite bracelet promotes good breathing, reduces asthma attacks, improves visual acuity and relieves toothache.
It is used to reduce blood pressure, relieve cramps, improve mood, treat arthritis, fractures, epilepsy. He is able to relieve dizziness and motion sickness. The mineral is useful for the pancreas and thyroid gland. Long-term wearing of jewelry with malachite reduces the risk of cancer, improves immunity, and has a positive effect on the nervous system. The green stone is also called the "obstetric stone" or female stone, relieving pain during menstruation and before childbirth.
The magical properties of the mineral are widely used. With its help, in Ancient Russia they tried to understand the language of all living things around. Today, esotericists say that a malachite bracelet, ring or beads can open the heart to great love. They help a person achieve peace of mind and a harmonious state.
It is important to know who is suitable for malachite stone. First of all, it should be worn by people who feel lonely. This talisman perfectly feeds with internal energy and spiritual forces. The stone is most useful when set with copper.
Who should choose malachite?
Creative people very often resort tohelp of malachite. It helps to draw attention to its owner. It is said that the stone brings happiness to the family, so young couples should wear it. To be desirable for a man, a woman is also advised to wear a ring or beads with malachite.
The owners of the gem with the sign of the Zodiac Libra will be able to show the best qualities. It is to them that malachite promises he alth and tranquility. Taurus and Lions can safely wear jewelry with malachite. He will help Taurus in the family and career, and Leo - in the fulfillment of desires. Scorpions, Cancers and Virgos should not wear green stone jewelry.
Wonderful malachite jewelry
Many of us in childhood read Bazhov's fairy tales about the mistress of the Copper Mountain, which speaks of a malachite box. This stone is also suitable for making vases, bowls, facing plates for expensive interiors. They inlaid furniture. Jewelers use the most beautiful cuts of malachite. For jewelry, special inserts are used - cabochons. Today, in jewelry workshops, beads, rings, pendants, earrings, crosses, and necklaces are made from malachite. Many souvenir shops around the world offer malachite products.
