These gorgeous specimens of malachite form in clumps of fibrous strands, resembling a lustrous velvet. They have a beautiful silky sheen and dark green colour. Currently we have only one specimen, which is large enough that it is kept in a small box and not in a membrane frame like previous specimens. It weighs ~48 g, and is roughly 5 cm across its longest dimension.

Malachite is an opaque, green-banded mineral that forms in various structures like botryoidal masses and fibrous layers due to chemical precipitation in fractures and underground spaces. It rarely occurs as individual crystals. The green colour comes from copper. Malachite can crystallize in different forms like rosettes, crusts, and prismatic crystals with wedge-shaped terminations, ranging in color from light to dark green.

Malachite, named for its mallow-green colour, has been mined since 4000 BCE, notably in the Great Orme Mines and Timna Valley. It was used for copper production and as a gemstone. Malachite was historically used in green paints and decorative items, including diplomatic gifts during Tsar Nicolas I's time.

Malachite has been historically believed to offer protection, improve sleep, and ward off evil spirits. It has been associated with promoting health, success, and emotional balance, with properties for grounding spiritual energies. Malachite is linked to enhancing intuition, emotional healing, and transformation, aiding in deep emotional release and self-accountability. The stone is also believed to attract love, enhance business dealings, and promote spiritual evolution.

Malachite is a versatile healing stone known for alleviating mental disturbances and physical ailments. It is believed to help with cramps, childbirth, sexual diseases, blood pressure, and asthma. Some believe that malachite aligns DNA in protection against radiation. It is also thought to stimulates the liver and treats diabetes, arthritis, and broken bones.

Malachite is a powerful stone but one that needs to be handled with caution. Breathing or ingesting ANY malachite particles could lead to copper poisoning. It is unclear if copper can be absorbed through the skin, but many health professionals advise against keeping copper or malachite in contact with the skin for a prolonged period.

Hardness: 3.5-4
Streak: light green
Classification: carbonate
Structure: monoclinic
Formula: Cu₂CO₃(OH)₂
Chakra: Third eye, Solar plexus
Energy: Receptive
Number: 9
Zodiac: Scorpio, Capricorn
Planet: Venus
Element: Earth
Day: Friday
Tarot: Empress
Deities: Mother Earth, The Mother Goddess
Powers: Business Success, Love, Peace, Power, Protection