The Malachite

Malachite is a green copper carbonate. Relatively fragile, it is easy to scratch and isn’t quite resistant to acids. Translucent to opaque, it is recognized for its zonations of colors that can go from light green to black.

MINING

Malachite is found all over the world near copper veins and mines.
The Brazilian, Colombian, Australian, Namibian and Russian mines are the most important and produce very beautiful stones.

A STONE KNOWN FROM THE ANTIQUITY

 

Ring : Gold, Malachite, Cartier

Bracelet : Ivory, Malachite, Yellow Gold, Cartier

Neckless : Malchite, Rubies, Yellow Gold, Cartier

Malachite has been used since ancient times, especially in Mesopotamia.
For Egyptians, it symbolized youth, health and rebirth and was associated to the goddess of fertility, Hator.
They crushed the stone to make cosmetics (make-up) or pigments.
Greek warriors wore malachite bracelets as protection. The word Malachite comes from the ancient Greek Malakos which means “soft”.
In the Middle Ages, it was thought that malachite protected children from the devil but also that it allowed to communicate with the wild life.

Malachite Watch, Cartier

Yellow Gold, Diamonds, Malachite Watch, Piaget 

 

In the 19th century, the Tsar Alexander offered Napoleon 1st Malachite objects that can still be admired at the Grand Trianon of Versailles.

The St. Petersburg Winter Palace is known for its halls with malachite columns.

Malachite Columns, Winter Palace, St Petersburg

In addition to works of art, malachite is used in high jewelery.

Malachite celebrates 13 years of marriage.

Malachite, Yellow Gold, Diamonds Brooch, Sterlé

Lapis Lazuli, Yellow Gold, Malachite Brooch, Chaumet 

Alhambra Neckless, Malachite, Yellow Gold, Van Cleef And Arpels 

Malachite, Yellow Gold, “Serpent Bohème” Ring, Boucheron