Malachite: a rare and vivid green gemstone

Malachite (pronounced ma-luh-kite) is a striking green gemstone that has been used in art in jewelry for thousands of years. Starting back with the ancient Egyptians through medieval times and the renaissance, malachite is still a popular gemstone to this day.

If you are thinking of adding a piece of malachite jewelry to your collection, you may be interested to find out more before purchasing. Below is our guide to malachite, where you will learn:

1. What is malachite?
2. How is malachite used?
3. Why choose malachite jewelry?
4. How to care for malachite jewelry?

1. What is malachite?

Highly prized for its vivid green tones, malachite is a dense but relatively soft copper carbonate mineral. The name malachite comes from the Greek and Latin terms for a green mallow leaf.

Malachite today is a relatively rare gemstone as many known deposits are quite depleted with limited sources. This is in part down to how it forms - typically above copper deposits in stalactites or coatings on subterranean cavities, crevices or caves. This distinctive growth produces intricate banding and patterns, with tones that range from light pastel green through to very dark, almost black-green.

2. How is malachite used?

Malachite was one of the first ores used as a source of copper. Some of the oldest mines in Egypt and Israel date back over 4000 years. As a relatively soft mineral, with a vivid color that doesn’t fade in light, this stone was also ground up as a pigment for paint for thousands of years.

Malachite is typically found only in small deposits, and it is now used almost solely for ornamental purposes and as gemstones. Malachite is used for small sculptures or for decorative inlay as well as for jewelry - often as cabochons or beads.

3. Why choose malachite for jewelry?

It is a beautiful gemstone with a vivid color that contrasts beautifully with precious metals like gold, making it a great choice for jewelry.

We think the warmth of yellow gold brings out a depth and richness to the green in malachite that is hard to beat.

The cooler tone of sterling silver also showcases the stone beautifully, for a modern look.

Malachite is an ideal gemstone for a rounded cabochon set in pendants or earrings.

Or it can be used as decorative inlay to add drama, depth and a pop of color.

Wear malachite for protection and growth

Historically, malachite was worn as a protective amulet that repelled negativity or bad intentions. Today many still associate malachite with protection and growth. So Malachite is the perfect stone for your own lucky talisman or charm.

Malachite for 13th Anniversary

Malachite is also associated with wedding anniversaries, specifically the thirteenth year. But we think adding malachite to your jewelry collection really needs no other reason than it makes for striking and wearable pieces.

4. How to care for malachite jewelry?

If you already own a piece of lovely malachite jewelry or are thinking of buying and are wondering about how to keep it looking its best, here are our malachite jewelry care tips.

Malachite jewelry benefits from regular care and maintenance just as with any piece of fine jewelry. You can read our general jewelry care tips here.

Given its relatively soft structure and chemistry, malachite can be vulnerable to damage. Calcium in the crystal structure can react with acids.e sure to keep them away from any chemicals including: cosmetics, hair spray, perfume, and especially common acids like lemon juice, or vinegar. Malachite can also scratch so we don’t typically recommend it for rings you would wear daily.

Malachite jewelry from My Irish Jeweler

You are now well on your way to becoming a malachite expert. We are proud to offer our customers a beautiful selection of malachite jewelry designed and made here in Ireland.

So if you are thinking that a malachite piece might be for you, have a look at our selection or get in touch by email, phone, or by booking a virtual appointment. We would be delighted to answer any questions you might have.