SPOTLIGHT ON... MALACHITE

BY MEREDITH JAYME

DISCOVER MALACHITE JEWELRY DESIGNS AND MALACHITE FACTS IN OUR GUIDE WITH EVERYTHING THAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THIS MAGICAL MINERAL

WHO/WHAT:

Malachite is an opaque green mineral that was one of the first ores used in producing copper metal.

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION: Cu₂CO₃(OH)₂ - copper carbonate hydroxide

MOHS SCALE OF HARDNESS: 3.5 to 4

Malachite is a relatively soft stone, so keep this malachite fact in mind and be careful when wearing and handling any malachite jewelry.

COLOR/CUT:

The rich green hues of malachite contain streaked lines known as banding which creates the ring like patterns that we associate with this stone. Malachite can range from very dark green shades to much lighter, nearly yellow green tones. Malachite is typically discovered in a crystal form before being polished and used.

WHEN/WHERE:

Malachite has been found in Russia, Africa, Australia, Brazil, Mexico and the United States. Arizona and Colorado are the most prominent mining locations in the US.

PROPERTIES:

An important malachite fact is that it is poisonous when wet. It can release toxic fumes due to the high copper content so definitely don’t wear your malachite jewelry in the rain.

FOLKLORE:

Malachite is known as a protective stone with many benefits to the wearer. For just about anything that you might be seeking guidance on, malachite can likely help. It is believed to help children sleep, is a form of protection from lightning and contagious diseases, can help maintain health, and promote success and transformation. For more, Google malachite healing properties and prepare to be very impressed.

MOST NOTABLE MALACHITE JEWELRY, PIECES, & PLACES

MALACHITE ROOM AT THE GRAND TRINANON IN VERSAILLES

The malachite room in Versailles features malachite pieces from Tzar Alexander I that were given to Napoleon. This room was originally Louis XIV's "Cabinet of the Sunset" followed by Duchesse de Bourgogne's bedchamber, and finally Napoleon's drawing room.

THE TAZZA

The Malachite Tazza lives in the Linda Hall Library in Kansas City, Missouri. It was presented by Czar Nicholas II to August Heckscher in 1910 and was later given to the Linda Hall Library in 1972 by Mrs. Kenneth A. Spencer. It stands at 6 foot 6 inches tall and is 5 feet in diameter.

THE TAZZA

The Malachite Tazza lives in the Linda Hall Library in Kansas City, Missouri. It was presented by Czar Nicholas II to August Heckscher in 1910 and was later given to the Linda Hall Library in 1972 by Mrs. Kenneth A. Spencer. It stands at 6 foot 6 inches tall and is 5 feet in diameter.

MALACHITE ROOM IN THE CHAPULTEPEC CASTLE

Mexico City's Chapultepec Castle, which is now Mexico's National History Museum, has another incredible malachite room. These malachite and gold doors were purchased from a Worlds Fair Exhibit in 1850.

BOUCHERON BRACELET

Sotheby's sold this stunning Boucheron creation for $797,000 in the December 2013 Magnificent Jewels sale. With 18 karat gold, purpurine, ivory, and of course malachite, this piece is a treasure.

BOUCHERON BRACELET

Sotheby's sold this stunning Boucheron creation for $797,000 in the December 2013 Magnificent Jewels sale. With 18 karat gold, purpurine, ivory, and of course malachite, this piece is a malachite jewelry treasure.

MALACHITE ROOM IN THE HERMITAGE MUSEUM

The Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia is home to another impressive Malachite Room. This room was the wife of Nicolas I, Alexandra Fiodorovna's, drawing room.

DAVID WEBB BANGLE

If you're in the market for a new malachite piece to add to your collection, here's a suggestion. 1st Dibs is listing this exquisite azurmalachite bangle for $24,500. With 18 karat gold and 2.4 carats of diamond, this piece deserves a special home.

DAVID WEBB BANGLE

If you're in the market for a new malachite jewelry item to add to your collection, contact us, or check out this piece. 1st Dibs is listing this exquisite azurmalachite bangle for $24,500. With 18 karat gold and 2.4 carats of diamond, this piece deserves a special home.