Physical Attributes of Malachite
Malachite is a copper carbonate hydroxide mineral that is very closely related to azurite, and both share nearly the same chemical composition. While azurite is blue, malachite is green, and it is slowly formed when the azurite reacts with oxygen in the air and “weathers”, leaving a more “stable” mineral behind.
Malachite occurs in many shades of green and when polished, it exhibits all kinds of light and dark patterns on its surface, similar to agate and jasper. In common with azurite, its hardness is 3.5-4 on the Mohs scale, which means it is not a very durable stone for jewelry, although many people love it for beads and necklaces and it will always be in high demand as a jewelry stone. NB: It is best to use only polished malachite for jewelry or regular handling as there is a small risk that it may leak copper.
The main mining areas for malachite today are usually in areas of copper deposits. It is found all over the world, including in places like the Urals in Russia, Namibia, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Zambia in Africa, Mexico, Arizona in the USA, France, Germany, and Ireland.
Metaphysical Properties of Malachite
Malachite is known among metaphysical circles as a stone of transformation. Looking at the physical characteristics, it is probably interpreted as a stone with this property, being a derivative mineral acquired from the transformation of azurite. However, crystal users believe it indeed has a gentle way to gradually change one into a better version of oneself over time, simply by working quietly in the background. It helps one to look within oneself and acknowledge the causative, emotional reasons behind disorders, thus supporting with their release, which more often than not, facilitates the healing thereof.
It is particularly useful for the mid-point heart chakra, and as such, has a balancing effect on the rest of the chakras. Men who don’t particularly care for pink stones (which also tend to the heart chakra) may find green malachite an ideal alternative. It is believed that malachite represents love, loyalty, and friendship, while considered to be a lucky stone for business endeavors.
Malachite encourages one to accept responsibility for ones actions, and stimulates instinctive and intuitive reasoning. People who work in jobs requiring heavy responsibility (such as pilots), may find malachite to be a suitable supportive, and protective stone.
Malachite Healing Properties
Malachite has been used to enhance RNA/DNA, and anything to do with cellular structure, such as broken bones and torn muscles or ligaments. It is believed to lessen the effects from radiation, and can be used to strengthen the immune system, as well as being used in the treatment of asthma, arthritis, and swollen joints. Overall, malachite works as a good tonifier and balancing agent for the entire body.
