Monday

About Gemstone Jewelry: Malachite

MARC Crystal Malachite Doublet and Marcasite Ring

MARC Crystal Malachite Doublet and Marcasite Earrings

Malachite is one of those absolutely gorgeous semi-precious gemstones that is rarely seen in jewelry because of it’s delicacy.  Possessing a natural, strong, light to deep green hue, the opaque and banded mineral is a vibrant display of silky, lustrous color.  However, the mineral also rates a weak 3.5 to 4 on the Mohs’ Scale.  Malachite jewelry is simply beautiful but it must be worn with a healthy respect for its fragility.  Malachite is an interesting mineral.  It occurs naturally with copper deposits and it’s color is a visible “sign” to prospectors of the presence of the valuable metal.  Adversely, it’s also the reason for the green tint when copper tarnishes.  Ancient Egyptians mined Malachite as early as 4000 BC as both a cosmetic and as a gemstone.  The famed King Solomon’s Mine in Israel was (and is) a Malachite mine.  During the Middle Ages, Malachite jewelry was thought to protect the wearer against black magic and malicious sorcery spells.  Modern mystics believe in the mineral’s protective ability and use it as a talisman to ward off illness and danger.  Malachite jewelry is lovely, noticeable, and a wonderful addition to anyone’s jewelry collection as long as the wearer is conscientious about it’s care.