Malachite

Malachite jewelry

Etymology and history

Green color Malachite derives its name from the Greek word ‘mallow’, meaning a green herb. Its banded light and dark green patterns are one-of-a-kind, and give it a unique ornamental look unlike that of any other gemstone. Malachite was used as a mineral pigment in green paints from antiquity until about 1800. The pigment is moderately lightfast, very sensitive to acids and varying in color.

Malachite description

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. In Israel, malachite is extensively mined at Timna valley, often called King Solomon's Mines, although research has revealed an interruption in mining activity at the site during the 10th century BC, the time of the biblical Solomon. 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.

Malachite in jewelry

Malachite jewelry has become one of the most popular types of semi precious gemstone jewelry on the market. The classic look of malachite jewelry in necklaces, bracelets and earrings is beloved by men and women alike. It is used in the very popular chunky jewelry creations - necklaces and bracelets.

Occurrence

Large quantities of malachite have been mined in the Urals, Russia. It is found worldwide including in the Democratic Republic of Congo; Zambia, Namibia; Mexico; Broken Hill, New South Wales; Lyon, France; and in the Southwestern United States notably in Arizona