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Malachite:
Carbonates (Hydrous copper carbonate) Cu2CO3(OH)2 AKA: |
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System: Monoclinic; crystals rare and usually short or long prismatic; also radial, fibrous, botryoidal, stalactitic, incrusting, earthy. Appearance: Emerald-green, grass-green, dark green; adamantine, silky, dull; streak light green. Physical Properties: Hardness: (3.5 - 4.0); Specific gravity: (3.9 - 4.0). Cleavage: perfect, one direction crosswise; fracture, conchoidal, splintery; translucent; brittle. Similar species: Malachite rarely occurs in prismatic crystals, as does brochantite, and brochantite rarely occurs in the botryoidal masses characteristic of malachite. Occurrence: Azurite is a secondary copper mineral and develops in the zone of alteration in massive, lode and disseminated hydrothermal replacement deposits. Associated minerals are azurite, limonite and chalcopyrite. The copper mines of Arizona are famous for massive malachite specimens, many banded with azurite. Fine malachite specimens have also come from California, Nevada, Utah, Pennsylvania and Tennessee. Miscellaneous: The name is from the Greek moloche, "mallow", in allusion to the mineral's leaf-green color. Malachite is used as an ore of copper and as a gemstone. Conventional Wisdom: Being so closely associated with the Venus metal (copper), malachite was admired by ancient followers of the Goddess and thought to possess great powers. In Rome, it was sometimes called peacock stone, dedicated to the Great Goddess Juno, whose totem was a peacock. It was a protection against the evil eye when cut in a triangular shape, the triangle being another of the Goddess's classic emblems. Malachite attached to a baby's cradle would keep away evil spirits, or warn of approaching danger by suddenly cracking. Malachite amulets could keep children from all harm. Malachite gave protection against lightning and other perils of nature; relieved vertigo; cured insect bites; healed stomach ailments; stopped bleeding of wounds; relieved rheumatism in the elderly and teething pains in infants; and of course, due to its eyelike spots, guarded against the evil eye. According to Russian legend, anyone who drinks from a malachite goblet will understand the language of animals. During the Renaissance, physicians claimed that their patients' sores could be anesthetized with malachite. In China, a twelfth-century medical text advised malachite for treatment of colds and diarrhea, calling it "acid, cooling, nonpoisonous." It is said that malachite attracts love, especially when engraved with a Venus sign and placed in a setting of copper. To draw a loved one to you, burn a green candle behind the stone for fifteen minutes each day, visualizing yourself in a loving relationship. It is called the salespersons stone. Business people are advised to carry a piece of malachite to meetings, or to keep it in the cash register. Raises one's spirits and increases hope, health and happiness. It attracts physical and material benefits and brings prosperity. It assists wise rule and helps remove mental blockages hindering spiritual growth. It relieves any congestion in the body and helps with confusion and lack or purpose and insecurity. Clean very frequently - daily if possible! Belongs to the Astrological Signs of Capricorn and Scorpio. |