Malachite is a semi-precious stone and also a valuable copper ore named hydrous copper carbonate. It is responsible for the green color of tarnished copper and bronze. Because of its distinctive bright green color and its presence in the weathered zone of nearly all copper deposits, malachite serves as a prospecting guide for that metal. Malachite has been used as an ornamental stone. Malachite derives its name from Greek word `malakos` that means soft. According to another theory the word malachite comes from Greek malhe, which means grass.

Healing properties
The Greeks often associated Malachite with the Goddess Venus. Malachite cut into a triangular shape was believed to provide the bearer with protection against the Evil Eye and draws love to the bearer. Malachite brings harmony into one`s life. So it can also be called as this stone is useful for meditations. Malachite was believed to offer protection to children from evil spirits and witches. It may bring prosperity to the wearer. Sometimes it is called as the business man`s Stone. Malachite releases negative and painful emotions by absorbing them. It clears the path to your desired goal. It is the stone of transformation. Malachite brings fidelity in love and friendship. Gem therapists use malachite to relax an over-taxed nervous system. It brings tolerance, flexibility, patience and stabilizing influence. The Chinese believed that this gemstone could treat colds and diarrhea. Malachite is a stone that should not be used for physical healing. Malachite has been called the `mirror of the soul`. It is variable in its condition. It reaches the inner feelings of the person and reflects what is there, negative or positive. It is so beautiful that one would like to wear it in jewelry, but caution must be used when wearing Malachite. It will always reflect how one feels, if someone feel negative he or she should not worn Malachite. It usually reminds the human being that all have a dual nature and it is up to each person to know and rule his own person. When kept it in a bedroom it also helps to get rid of nightmares. The stone can be used with copper to increase the power of malachite.

Malachite is believed to be a strong protector of children. It is also said to protect the wearer from accidents and protects travelers. Malachite has been used to aid success in business and protect against undesirable business associations. It is a stone that is used for maintaining balance in relationships. Malachite is always green, usually in banded tones varying from very dark green to a mellow green. Some people used malachite for jewelry and ground it to use as eye shadow. It is used in amulets to protect against the evil eye. In the middle ages it was used to protect children from witches and other dangers.

Malachite is the anniversary gemstone for the 13th year of marriage. This gemstone is fragile. Malachite should be protected from scratches and sharp blows. Large temperature changes should always be avoided. Malachite should never be cleaned in a home ultrasonic cleaner. Washing malachite in water will remove its protective polish. If setting or repairing in jewelry one should be careful of heat since a jeweler`s torch can damage the stone.

Malachite is a beautiful green earth stone with irregular black banding. It is easily recognized by its color, green streak, and silky or velvety luster. It is beautiful in earrings, necklaces, and pendants. Imitation malachite has very regular black or white banding. This is a gorgeous stone. Malachite is worn by many to detect impending danger. This beautiful green stone offers bands of varying hues and is believed by many to lend extra energy. It is believed that gazing at Malachite or holding it relaxes the nervous system and calms stormy emotions. Malachite is said to bring harmony into one`s life. It is also believed that malachite gives knowledge and patience. Malachite is used as a children`s talisman to ward off danger and illness if it is attached to infant`s cradles.

Other Gemstones

Agate	Chrysoprase	Kunzite	Pearl	Tiger Eye
Alexandrite	Citrine	Lapis Lazuli	Peridot	Topaz
Amber	Coral	Malachite	Quartz	Tourmaline
Amethyst	Diamond	Moissanite	Rose Quartz	Turquoise
Aquamarine	Emerald	Moonstone	Ruby	Zircon
Aventurine	Garnet	Obsidian	Sapphire
Bloodstone	Jade	Onyx	Spinel
Carnelian	Jasper	Opal	Tanzanite

Gemstones for Planets

Blue Sapphire, Gemstone for Saturn	Emerald, Gemstone for Mercury	Pearl, Gemstone for Moon
Cat`s eye, Gemstone of Ketu	Gomed, Gem stone of Rahu	Yellow Sapphire, the Gemstone of Jupiter
Coral, Gemstone for Mars	Ruby, Gemstone for Sun	Diamond, Gem Stones for Venus

See Also

Gemstones	Gemstones for Planets	Origin of Gemstones
Color Absorption & Reflection in Gemstones	Methods of Wearing Gemstones	Selection of Gemstones
Colors of Gemstones	Navratna Gemstone	Semi Precious Gemstones
Significance Of Gemstones	Synthetic Gemstones	Types of Gemstones
Gemstone Harmony	Classification of Gemstones	Powers of Gemstones