In 4000 B.C. malachite was already exploited in the copper mines of the eastern deserts. A very spectacular mineral, malachite is present in all civilizations of antiquity. In its raw form, it fascinates with the tortured relief and color of the Amazonian forest. After polishing, concentric rings, light or dark stripes reveal all the mysterious beauty of the stone. The green convolutions of malachite have amazed us since time immemorial.
Recently, in the Jordan Valley, a group of Israeli archaeologists discovered a ten-centimeter copper stamp. Placed in a woman's grave 7000 years ago, this is probably the oldest copper object ever found. Over thousands of years, oxidation has covered the small instrument with a thick layer of green and turquoise, and this chemical reaction gives it the appearance of a gem. These luxurious colored ores are formed as a result of the natural alteration of copper: shades of blue for azurite, shades of green for malachite.
Malachite jewelry and items
Mineralogical properties of malachite
Malachite belongs to a large family of carbonates. More specifically, it is hydrated copper carbonate. It can be found in copper mines scattered around the world: in Africa, in Australia, in Arizona in the USA, in the Urals in Russia, in Italy and even in France near Lyon in Chessy-les-Mines and in Vars at Cape Garonne.
Very medium hardness, especially in massive shapes, malachite scratches easily (score from 3,5 to 4 on a 10-point scale established by the mineralogist Friedrich Moos). It is highly soluble in acids.
Translucent or opaque, it has a beautiful sheen and a wide range of aspects. More often than not, its concretionary texture gives it an irregular appearance; it can also form in stalactites. Sometimes radiant crystals start from the center and form a very curious stellate group. On other specimens, we clearly observe layers of growth, which then outline concentric circles, similar to the growth rings of trees.
The green hue of malachite is characterized by important light, dark or even black veins, making it very recognizable. Monochromatic specimens are rare, may be the smallest, and then identification becomes less easy because there are many other minerals of this color. In addition to the precious emerald, one can name jade, epidote, serpentine, aventurine, tree agate, verdelite (a type of tourmaline), chrysocolla and peridot - these last two minerals were once often confused with malachite.
Theazurite-malachite is a natural but very rare association of these two minerals of different colors, but belonging to the same family and originating from the same mineral deposit.
Etymology and meaning of the word "malachite"
The word comes from latin malachitederived from ancient Greek Moloch. It will be formed from the words Malak (purple) and lithos (Pierre), an amazing name for a green stone! mauve we are talking about a plant that abounds throughout the countryside (mallow in Latin). Only later did its name begin to be used to refer to the color of the flowers.
In fact, it would seem that the Greeks were inspired by the underside of the leaves to name the mineral. Like the Romans, they used it everywhere, so they may have seen a similarity. Some etymologists doubt this explanation. The leaves in question are actually quite ribbed, but their color is unremarkable in the plant kingdom!
Another explanation is offered: the mediocre hardness of malachite would be the source of its name, malakos (Mou).
Another simple interpretation of the first two is also possible. Mallow owes its name to its "softening" properties. malakos, soothes and softens. Its known anti-inflammatory effect soothes various pains, such as toothache. Malachite, rich in copper, has the same virtues. The Greeks used mallow Malak as well as a mineral with a similar effect, which they would then call "softening stone" malakos et lithos.
Malachite in history
Malachite is present in all civilizations and in all beliefs. It has been used for thousands of years for medicinal, cosmetic and decorative purposes. Let's take a short digression into history before considering the use of malachite in modern lithotherapy.
Malachite in ancient Egypt
For the Egyptians, death is like a new life, and the wholesome green symbolizes youth, health, and all forms of rebirth. On the other side of the coast "champs des reeds" or "champs d'ialou" means it is also called elsewhere malachite domain .
To guide the Egyptians to this unknown realm, the Book of the Dead, a collection of religious and funerary texts, provides much advice. These magical formulas are often elegant and full of poetry: “Yes, I appeared like this big golden falcon that came out of an egg, and I flew away, I landed like a golden falcon, four cubits high, with malachite wings…”.
Closely associated with Malachite, Hathor, goddess of fertility, contributes to the development of all forms of life: humans, animals and plants. She has other skills as well: she encourages musical donations and protects the Sinai miners. The Temple of Serabit el Khadem, a mining sanctuary, is dedicated to Hathor, mistress of turquoise, lapis lazuli and malachite.
Malachite is also associated with the hippo goddess Tueris, the patroness of motherhood (pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding). Therefore, he protects vulnerable women and their young children. Tueri was very popular in Thebes, and women wore a malachite amulet with his image.
In everyday life, malachite is a valuable eye cosmetic as it treats eye infections at the same time! Make-up palettes dating back to the pre-dynastic period (about 4000 years) have been found. These small trays of greywacke volcanic stone were used to finely grind malachite for makeup.
Malachite powder also colors frescoes. like the beautiful scenes found in the tomb of the scribe Nakht in the Theban necropolis near Luxor.
Malachite in Greek and Roman antiquity
In ancient Greece, malachite was often used for its well known medicinal properties. and it is very popular because it provides protection to the most vulnerable. Children wear amulets, fighters wear bracelets.
Malachite also occupies a large place in artistic activity. The Greeks excelled in the art of the cameo and used it extensively in this particular and fine engraving technique.
Malachite in architecture adorns the columns of one of the seven wonders of the world: the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus. Today it is difficult to imagine the magnificence of this magnificently painted building with ideal proportions. The temple was destroyed and rebuilt several times until it was finally demolished in the XNUMXth century AD.
Chrysocolla is often referred to by the Romans as malachite. They usually use both, and due to the lack of means of identification, confusion often arises. However, Pliny the Elder in the XNUMXst century gives a fairly accurate description of it. in his encyclopedia of natural history and tells us about its use:
“Malachite is not transparent, it is darker green and opaque than emerald. It is good for making seals and is endowed with medicinal properties that make it suitable for protecting children from dangers that threaten them ... "
La goddess of fertility in Roman mythology is Juno. The queen of the Pantheon, the wife of Jupiter, placed one hundred eyes of Argos on the feathers of a beautiful bird that would become a peacock. He is always presented accompanied by his big favorite birds and quite naturally. rare malachite will be associated with it - a peacock eye, which will protect against the evil eye.
Malachite in the Middle Ages and modern times
In the Middle Ages, amazing power was attributed to malachite: it would help to understand the language of animals, exactly like St. Francis of Assisi!
Jean de Mandeville, the author of the XNUMXth-century lapidary workshop, does not mention this strange property. In this book we find traditional virtues of malachite, designated under the name clochit :
« It will rest well with children and protect them from anger, evil eye, enemies and other evils that come to children, and protect the owner from enemies and harmful causes, it can be found in Arabia and other places ... "
Crushed malachite, brought from the Middle East, is called the "green of the mountains." paints green frescoes, icons and especially illuminations. The precious watch books of the XNUMXth century offer a magnificent overview of this medieval art. "Les Riches Heures du Duc de Berry" and "Grandes Heures d'Anne de Bretagne" are full of subtle details and vibrant colors. Malachite sublimates the image of nature and medieval fabrics.
In the 19th century, huge blocks of malachite weighing more than twenty tons came out of the Ural mines. These gigantic deposits were the wealth of the kings. Russian malachite then adorned palaces and cathedrals in abundance. Most of the decorative malachite objects that we often admire in our castles and museums come from Russian quarries.
Advantages of malachite in lithotherapy
Since ancient times, malachite has been used for medicinal purposes, in particular in pain relief. It is one of the most popular stones in modern lithotherapy.
The product of the transformation of copper, a metal essential for life, has the same healing properties: anti-inflammatory properties and antibacterial properties. These two very important skills account for the wide variety of his readings.
Beneficial for everyone, malachite is especially targeted at women and children. Tradition dedicates malachite to people considered the most fragile, we find this constant in all civilizations.
Benefits of malachite against physical ailments
Anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties:
Toothache
Sore throat
Asthma
Kidney pain
Hemorrhoids
Arthritis
osteoarthritis
Rheumatism
sprains
Fractures
Colic
colic
Antibacterial and antiseptic properties:
Eye infections
Otitis
Angina of bacterial origin
amygdalitis
Revitalizing properties:
Increases stamina
Promotes cellular detoxification
Strengthens the immune system
Accelerates tissue regeneration
Calming and soothing properties of the nervous system:
anxiety
Insomnia
pain
epileptic seizures
Properties acting on the circulatory system:
Protect the heart
cleans the blood
Hemostatic effect
Advantages of malachite on the psyche and relationships
Promotes meditation
Makes it easier to understand dreams
Helps overcome depression
Increases self-confidence
Enhances the capacity for self-expression and persuasion
Removes bans
Indications for women
Protects pregnancy
Facilitates childbirth
Normalizes painful and/or irregular menstruation
Instructions for children
Sleep Disorders
nightmares
convulsions
Weaning
To reap the benefits of malachite, you can carry it with you: in the form of jewelry, pendant or just in your pocket.
Malachite is used to treat painful areas. for the longest possible time. You can apply it in the form of a pebble or rolled stone to the affected area and fix it with a bandage.
For a beneficial effect on the whole body, lie down calmly to background music and place malachite at the level of the heart chakra.
Attention: do not prepare an elixir with malachite, the copper content in it makes it unfit for consumption and even poisonous.
Purifying and Recharging Malachite
The special thing about malachite is that it absorbs moisture very well, it saturates quickly and you will have to clean the stones after every use. Pure water is the easiest and most effective way. You can use tap water or even better demineralized water. Don't let it soak too long and don't add salt.
Another recommended method is fumigation: pass a stone under the smoke of incense, sandalwood or wormwood. You can alternate this very gentle method with water purification.
You will charge it inside amethyst geode or easier in the morning sun because malachite is afraid of high temperature.
Do you have malachite and use it in a way not covered in this article? Do you like this mineral and just want to share your experience? Feel free to leave comments: your stories are always appreciated!
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