Malachite Gemstone Symbolism Facts & Meaning: Zodiac, Superstitions, Dreams, and Legends
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Malachite Gemstone Facts and History
The Malachite Gemstone is a striking green copper carbonate mineral with bands of different shades of green occurring throughout the stone. Malachites are formed when copper minerals combine with other minerals like limestone or carbonate water. This made Malachites a reliable indicator of nearby copper deposits wherever it is found.
Malachites are formed on the surface of underground caverns. Rarely found as single crystals, Malachites usually grow in stalactite prism clusters and they form alongside azurite, limestone, and iron oxide.
Easily recognizable for its color, the Malachite has been mined for millennia with the earliest evidence of mining of the gemstone in the Isthmus near the Suez and Sanai in 4,000 BCE. Older than that are Malachite beads found in the Euphrates River dating back to 7,000 BCE.
Malachite mines were also discovered to be in operation in The Great Orme Mines in Britain 3,600 years ago and in Israel at Timma Valley 3,000 years ago. Both locations mined the stone to produce copper.
Malachites can be found in different parts of the world. Deposits are present in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Israel, Australia, the USA, France, Namibia, and the UK. In the 1800s, huge deposits of Malachite were discovered in Russia in the Ural mountain region.
With a Moh scale of 3.5 to 4 in combination with its striking color, Malachites are coveted for sculpting and used by many ancient and modern civilizations.
The word Malachite is derived from the Greek molochites lithos which translates to “mallow-green stone,” given because of the gemstone’s resemblance to the mallow plant.
Raw Malachite is toxic and causes copper poisoning to those who inhaled or ingest raw Malachite dust. Liquids in contact with any Malachite material can also be harmful. Fortunately, polished Malachite Gemstones used in beautiful decorations and jewelry are harmless.
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Malachite Gemstone Uses
Malachite Gemstones were primarily mined for their copper ore for many millennia by different civilizations around the world.
Malachite is highly coveted for its gorgeous green color and is used by many cultures to create green pigments as far back as Ancient Egypt. Ancient Egyptian tombs were discovered to have green wall decor made up of ground-up Malachite. They also combined ground-up Malachite with galena to create green eye makeup. It is believed that Cleopatra’s favorite eye makeup is the Malachite kohl.
China was already using Malachite as green pigment for their paintings as far back as the 9th century. Green Malachite pigment and dyes only became popular in Europe during the Renaissance in the 14th century.
Because of its relatively soft properties, Malachite Gemstones were popular materials for sculpting. In Russia, St. Petersburg, Saint Isaac’s Cathedrals features eight huge pillars made out of Malachites as decor. The Winter Palace in St. Petersburg also has a Malachite room with many sculpted Malachite pieces.
Malachite Gemstones were popularly carved into striking vases and other decorative pieces throughout history. Since ancient times, Malachites are popular gemstones for jewelry up to this day.
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Malachite Gemstone Spiritual Meaning and Symbolism
For many millennia, Malachite Gemstones have always been a symbol of protection against evil, disease, or harm. Many civilizations use Malachite talismans for both protection and to attract good things like better sleep, good health, success, and affection.
Malachite Gemstones are connected to the heart chakra. In spirit, it enhances the wearer’s empathy, love, and compassion. Many cultures believed that Malachite stones help with the healing of past trauma and attracting positive growth.
In spiritual exercises like meditation, Malachite Gemstones help bring inner peace, emotional balance, positivity, and expression of oneself.
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Malachite Gemstone Symbolism of Different Shapes and Forms
The different shapes and forms of the Malachite Gemstone are believed to symbolize, attract, or protect against different things.
The Italians shape Malachite Gemstones into triangular shapes to resemble an eye where the gemstone is set in silver. This symbolizes protection against the evil eye.
Malachite Gemstones are also carved with images of the sun’s rays to fight off dark magic. Malachite beads were also symbols of protection used for babies against evil spirits. These beads would be hung over cribs, guarding the babies while they sleep.
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Malachite Gemstone Symbolism in Different Cultures
Ancient Egyptians greatly associated the Malachite Gemstone with death and life after death. They viewed the green color as a symbol of death, resurrection, and fertility. In fact, they also have a description of paradise in the afterlife as “Field of Malachite.”
Ancient Romans viewed the Malachite Gemstone as symbols of both Venus, the goddess of love, and Juno, the goddess of marriage.
Different civilizations across time like Victorian England and 17th century Spanish have associated Malachite Gemstones with protection against evil. Besides giving better sleep, Malachite beads is often observed hanging near cribs of babies.
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Malachite Gemstone in Combination with other Gems
Malachite Gemstones are easily paired with other gems having similar soothing and calming energies. When paired with the correct crystal, the power of manifestation for whatever intention is greatly enhanced. The best crystals to pair with Malachite gems are Rose Quartz, Chrysocolla, and Chalcopyrite.
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Malachite Gemstone Birthstone and Zodiac Sign
The Malachite Gemstone is the birthstone of Capricorn and Scorpio. The properties of Malachite bring out the balance for both the zodiac signs in unique ways.
Scorpios are passionate and always changing being a water sign. Malachite stones protect them from the evil eye in whatever venture they take. On the other hand, Malachite stones soothe the Capricorn’s low moments and bring them back up by providing them with enhanced positivity.
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Malachite Gemstone in Dreams
Dreaming of a Malachite Gemstone is a good indication that one is being protected from negative forces. A dream featuring a Malachite Gemstone can also mean the individual needs to find balance in different aspects of their life.
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Malachite Gemstone Omens and Superstitions
Malachite Gemstones have always been fashioned into amulets serving as talismans against negative forces like the evil eye. They are also commonly believed to bring balance and offer better sleep to those who have them near while sleeping.
Merchants hold the superstition of having Malachite on their person to provide luck during business transactions. They believe that keeping Malachite with money can increase wealth. Malachites are believed to also protect merchants from any sort of fall.
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Malachite Gemstone Mythology and Folklore
Malachite Gemstones inspired many myths and folklore throughout the centuries. It is associated with Venus and said to attract love. In Ancient Egyptian mythology, the afterlife is described as a “Field of Malachite.”
A folktale from the Ural region of Russia, titled “The Malachite Casket” involves a hidden identity and a mysterious mountain spirit.
