Geologically speaking, malachite is a copper carbonate
hydroxide, which makes it a mineral. Due to the presence of the copper, its
coloration is green. Variations include bright vivid greens as well as greens
so dark that the color appears almost black. Throughout history, malachite has
been used as a source for green paint pigmentation. Earliest records show that Israel has been
a well known source for malachite mining. There, the rocks were unearthed and
some also turned over to the jewelry trade. Modern day mining operations are also
found in Arizona, Mexico,
Russia and the Congo.
Alternative healers have always been fascinated by the color
banding that is common in these gemstones. When polished, it is not uncommon to
find three to four different shades of green on larger surfaces. Healers
frequently associate these clearly delineated shades with energy flow patterns.
Combined with the green color that symbolizes nature, shamans suggest that
malachite is an instrumental tool in the healing of the physical body as well
as a person’s emotional wellbeing. Said to absorb negative energies and clear
up electromagnetic pollution, those well-versed in feng shui urge their clients
to keep malachite pieces near microwaves and televisions. Healers suggest
setting malachite in copper to heighten the gemstone’s powers.
Due to the green color, malachite jewelry is a favorite of
those with red hair and a light complexion that favorably displays the stone.
It is interesting to note that even brittle pieces are processed for the
jewelry trade. While it is true that the mineral is brittle by nature and
therefore somewhat challenging to work with, some bits are so fragile that they
have to be augmented with resins to prevent breakage while the item is being
polished or set. As a result, it is not a good idea to purchase malachite
pendants, rings or bracelets, which frequently come in contact with hard
surfaces. Instead, look for this material in earrings and brooches, which seldom
come in contact with surfaces or materials that could lead to breakage.
Purchase your malachite pieces from a reputable jeweler who
can advise you if any resins or enhancements have been used in the manufacture
of the pieces that you are considering. This professional should also be
consulted when you are thinking of buying a piece at auction but want
confirmation about the authenticity of the gemstone. Be careful to shield your
malachite jewelry from heat or exposure to acids. If your malachite is set in
Sterling silver, do not allow any silver polish to get on the stone. Moreover,
do not use ultrasonic cleaning machines on the gemstones. Plenty of jewelry
aficionados are content to own elaborate malachite jewelry pieces that they
keep on display in small vitrines and curio cabinets.
At Peter Suchy Jewelers we are experts on all types of
gemstones and are GIA Certified. We invite you to stop by and visit our showroom located at 1137 High Ridge Road in Stamford Connecticut.
Or, if you prefer shopping for vintage, estate and antique
jewelry online, head on over to our eBay store where you’ll find we are a
top-rated PowerSeller with 100 percent positive feedback.
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