Semi-Precious Gemstones: Malachite
Lapis Gems used in Jewelry
Source: Congo, Egypt, France, Namibia, Siberia, South Australia, USA (Arizona), Urals, Zaire
The name "malachite" is derived from the Greek word molochitis, meaning "mallow-green stone." Malachite is a form of copper ore, or hydrous copper carbonate that is an opaque, banded semi-precious stone which is a carbonate mineral, copper, and carbonate hydroxide. Hydrous copper carbonate is responsible for the green color of tarnished copper and bronze. The colors in the individual bands range from a very light green to deep forest green, with occasional irregular black banding.
Perhaps one of the first "gemstones" used by humans, the ancient Egyptians mined malachite as early as 5000 BC. Malachite was mined in the eastern deserts of Egypt, the Sinai, and at the King Solomon's Mines in Israel's Timna valley. It was not only used to craft jewelry, but also as a colorfast pigment in paint, cosmetic eye-shadow and in glazing. In Greek mythology, the throne of Demeter (the goddess of grain and the harvest) was fashioned from malachite, adorned with ears of barley and golden pigs [4].
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Rough Malachite (Photo: Public Domain) |
Malachite was a valuable commodity in ancient China as well. Malachite was called "Shilu" for the primary source, Shilu in the Guangdong Province in southwestern China.
The primary source for malachite today is Kolwezi in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa, with secondary sources in Australia, France, Morroco, and the USA. In the early 19th century, much of the malachite that decorates many cathedrals throughout Europe was found in the Ural Mountains of Russia. Malachite is the anniversary gemstone for the 13th year of marriage.
Malachite is a soft material that forms botryoidal, fibrous, or stalagmitic masses with a mammilary crystal habit. Individual crystals are rare but do occur as slender to acicular prisms. Malachite occurs in association with azurite, cuprite, and kaolinite, and there is a relatively rare, speckled variety of azurite-malachite which combines both minerals in a dramatic display of color. Due to its opaque nature, malachite is usually cut and shaped into a cabochon or formed into beads.
Malachite Chemistry, Physical Properties
Malachite Optical Properties
Bibliography and Reference on Malachite
1. Paul R. Shaffer, Rocks, Gems and Minerals  . Martin's Press
2. Renee Newman, Gemstone Buying Guide . International Jewelry Publications; 2nd edition
3. The Hermitage, The Malachite Room . www.hermitagemuseum.org
4. University of Sydney, The Palace of Olympus . www.alex.edfac.usyd.edu.au
5. Rocks and Minerals of Arizona . www.azcu.org
6. Antoinette L . Matlins, Antonio C. Bonanno, Gem Identification Made Easy . Gemstone Press
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