Malachite is a layered mineral of a green hue, which can be either light green or dark green, bordering on black. It is also called the health stone and also the peacock stone.
Initially, malachite served as a means for the production of copper. Later, people began to make jewelry, as well as boxes and bowls from this mineral. In addition, malachite was used to decorate household items and even buildings. This method of decorating a ball is called “Russian mosaic”. The Hermitage even has a malachite hall, where you can appreciate all the beauty of the mineral.
However, this mineral is not only famous for this. The fact is that malachite is a stone that has magical properties, so it is often used as a talisman. Today we will tell you who is suitable for wearing the mineral and who is not.
Malachite and the element of Water – a little nervous
Cancer
For unbalanced Cancers who doubt everything, malachite will also be very useful - for them the stone will become a real talisman of peace! People of this sign have a hard time making decisions, often suffer from complexes and neuroses, experiencing all the unpleasant moments again and again. Malachite has the ability to draw out negative thoughts and memories. Cancers can wear a ring or pendant with it regularly, preferably in silver, periodically cleansing the energy of the stone under running water.
Scorpion
It would be a stretch to include Scorpios among those for whom malachite is suitable. On the one hand, these conflicted inhabitants of the Zodiac lack the wisdom and calmness that the stone is ready to share. It is possible that as a result of constant contact with the green mineral, these jealous people, lovers of truth and brawlers will begin to listen to others and take into account (at least occasionally!) the feelings of other people.
Alas! This duet also has important disadvantages, due to which malachite for Scorpio can only be recommended for occasional wearing. Representatives of this sign, moving towards the goal, do not think too much about the legality of the means used. They are often ready to play “on the verge of a foul”, and under the influence of the additional energy of malachite they can break a lot of wood.
Malachite is dangerous for a Scorpio woman in a slightly different way. These beauties strive to shine, are prone to the most extreme love adventures, and practically do not recognize any restrictions. The power of malachite can multiply their innate charm, turning passionate ladies into real highwaymen. But what is allowed (albeit with reservations!) to representatives of the stronger sex can completely ruin the reputation of Scorpio girls and cause discord in the relationships of married women.
Fish
But for the melancholic and somewhat infantile Pisces, malachite can become a best friend! This sign has plenty of wisdom, tact, and spiritual subtlety, but only lacks the strength and composure to successfully move to the top. The green amulet will provide just that extra supply of energy that will allow the zodiac fish to “catch the wave.” The stone will be especially useful for people of art.
Chemical and physical properties
Malachite is a valuable ornamental mineral. The old name of the stone is carbonic copper green. It has the following chemical and physical properties:
- The chemical formula is Cu2CO3 (OH) 2, the chemical name is copper dihydroxocarbonate.
- The main impurity is iron.
- Green color. Most likely, you can distinguish 2 shades: dark green and turquoise malachite.
- Gloss - matte, silky or glassy.
- Completely opaque stone.
- Hardness - 3.5÷4 (from scratched by copper to easily scratched by glass and a knife).
- Dissolves in acids, releasing carbon dioxide.
- Dissolves in ammonia.
- When heated, it changes color to black and releases water and carbon dioxide.
Malachite constantly accompanies copper ores and is a product of their weathering. The shapes of stones are very diverse: crystals, columnar, lamellar, needle-shaped. The most common form is spherulites. The most valuable collectible samples are considered to be crystals, as the rarest forms, and needles, that is, the forms least suitable for use.
The following varieties of malachite are distinguished:
- Plush malachite, with a silky sheen, is the rarest and most expensive mineral.
- Ribbon or turquoise, characterized by rectilinear patterns, mined in Africa.
- Concentrically zonal (Ural malachite), with a complex, bizarre pattern.
- Low-grade ordinary malachite, with admixtures of other minerals or very dark.
Unprocessed gems have a weak shine, but when broken, the stone exhibits its so-called velvety quality, which is why it became known as “velvet ore.”
Malachite is a fairly soft stone. It is easily destroyed when exposed to high temperatures and is susceptible to ammonia and acids. When heated, the gem darkens, and when interacting with acid, it dissolves, releasing carbon dioxide. The stone should not be subjected to mechanical stress - it can be easily scratched.
Malachite and Fire – humbling hearts
Aries
All fire signs are distinguished by stubbornness, self-centeredness, and impulsiveness. Typical people of action who would prefer to cut first and then think about what would need to be measured at least once beforehand. This is especially true when it comes to Aries.
All the troubles of the star “ram” are due to the fact that his thoughts cannot keep up with his actions. He is noble, impetuous and short-sighted, capable of great accomplishments and incredible stupidity. That is why malachite and Aries are an ideal tandem. The stone slightly “grounds” the main fiery romantic, helps him restrain his ardent temper without going into a state of outright war with the whole world. It also gives the opportunity to at least partially implement “Napoleonic” plans.
a lion
Malachite for Leo will be useful in medical terms. The zodiac “king of beasts” is inclined to spend his energy too generously; he is not ready to admit defeat even in cases where it would be wiser to retreat. The result of such “burning” is often severe depression with insomnia and nightmares, increased aggressiveness, suspiciousness (even paranoia). The green amulet calms Leo, returns them to a state of peace, and gives them the ability to diplomacy.
Sagittarius
Sagittarius and malachite will also find a common language, but under one condition: “friendship” should not be too close. Astrologers advise the last fire sign to use the potential of the green talisman in very measured doses. Malachite can behave like a real vampire - with daily contact with the owner, it will begin to draw out “extra” energy from him. Representatives of this zodiac sign should pick up malachite amulets only on important occasions (for example, to calm their nerves after a heated quarrel).
History of malachite
Deposits of Ural malachite were discovered at the beginning of the 17th century, but no one thought about the external properties of the semi-precious stone at that time. The urgent need for copper as a material for casting bells and cannons did not allow us to see beauty.
More than a hundred years passed before stone cutters learned to reveal the beauty of malachite. In the convoys going to the capital of the Russian Empire, malachite vases, boxes, snuff boxes and other trinkets were increasingly carried - for the amusement of the St. Petersburg nobility, for gifts to foreign guests.
The fame of the patterned “Russian stone” quickly spread throughout Europe. The copper mines of the Urals flourished: the best malachite went to stone-cutting workshops, crushed stone was smelted into metal.
By the beginning of the 19th century, the price of Russian stone had reached its peak, and demand far exceeded supply. Jewelry sets with malachite were purchased by representatives of royal families. Ladies from aristocratic families considered it obligatory to own at least one piece of malachite jewelry.
Ural serfs sometimes sold their boxes with semi-precious stones to visiting bars, and with the proceeds they bought freedom for many of their families. Echoes of that era are embodied in the tales of Pavel Bazhov. His mistress of the Copper Mountain became the personification of the magical power contained in malachite...
Malachite and Earth – stability “squared”
All earth signs are simply obsessed with issues of comfort and well-being (in their understanding, there is never too much of either the first or the second). The trouble is that in pursuit of material bonuses, these people are capable of driving themselves to a state of complete moral exhaustion, or even to serious physical illness. The malachite stone is perfect for the main pragmatists of the Zodiac - it acts as a healer and a kind of battery.
Taurus
For Taurus, it is advisable to choose the lightest shades of malachite - it is this mineral that ideally balances the negative and positive traits of the zodiac “bulls”, turning them into people who are pleasant in every sense. People around them can always rely on colleagues and friends of this sign if they need a strong shoulder and a confident hand, but romantic impulses are not their element. The green mineral helps unshakable conformists show a little more emotional sensitivity (without losing the ground under their feet).
Capricorn
Capricorns climb to the top of success from their first cry to their last breath. The financial side is immensely important to them, as is career growth. In the struggle for these two symbols of wealth, they forget to simply enjoy life. You could even say that they forget to live - they have no time to do such nonsense! Malachite for Capricorn will become an additional source of energy. With regular recharge from their amulet, these workaholics will have a chance to at least occasionally find time for some non-material pleasures.
Beautiful ladies of the same sign adore luxury, which they can put above heartfelt experiences. This tendency gives rise to frequent accusations of callousness, commercialism and frigidity. For a Capricorn woman, malachite will be an excellent ally in the struggle for a place in the sun - it will protect against stress, help you look better, recover faster from conflicts with your superiors, and find a common language with teenage children and spouses.
Virgo
And only for Virgo malachite will become a controversial amulet. In this case, the stone will not have to deal with outbursts of negative emotions or set the owner up to go all the way to victory - Virgos are distinguished by their balance, relatively calm temperament and high self-esteem, which will not be allowed to be shaken by anyone around them.
Thanks to malachite, Virgos will be able to protect their health, which has been significantly damaged on the fields of career battles, but under the influence of the stone, their prudence and pride can turn into pride and callousness. In this case, it is advisable not to carry the stone with you (in the form of a bracelet or ring), but to store it at home, in the family nest. This way, malachite will be much more useful, providing owners with the opportunity to lick their wounds away from the prying eyes of others.
How to distinguish malachite from a fake
- Color. The presence of a brownish-green layer indicates that the stone was grown artificially. Glass counterfeits have transparent inclusions that are clearly visible through a magnifying glass.
- Temperature. A plastic product can be easily recognized by touching it with the back of your hand: a plastic fake will seem warm, while a natural stone will seem cold.
- Ammonia. If you drop this liquid onto a natural stone, it will turn white and the liquid will take on a blue tint. The fake will retain the original color. Of course, such a procedure should be carried out carefully, and preferably on the back side of the product, so as not to spoil it.
Malachite and the element of Air are a wise addition
Scales
Air signs lack stability and depth, they tend to “flutter” in the skies, abandoning the most promising ideas halfway. This is where the amulet comes to the rescue! Malachite will be especially important for Libra, who find it difficult to make responsible decisions. The stone will instill in them confidence in their own rightness and help them complete the work they start.
Twins
Malachite for Gemini is used as an antidepressant. The amulet protects against self-criticism and excessive sensitivity, makes representatives of this sign more down-to-earth, calm, and allows them to easily cope with stress. Astrologers advise men to acquire a stone figurine-amulet, which can be kept on the table in the office. For women, a bracelet or pendant is more suitable, but you should wear it only occasionally so as not to lose your airy charm.
Healing properties of the stone
Malachite also has medicinal properties. This became known back in the days of Ancient Egypt. One day, a cholera epidemic began in this country. There were many infected. Every day their number grew. However, the healers of those times noticed that those who worked in the malachite mines were spared this infection. There was not a single infected person among them. From that moment on, the stone began to be considered one of the most powerful amulets against ailments.
First of all, as already mentioned, it has a positive effect on the nervous system. In addition, the stone stabilizes blood pressure, so it is recommended to be worn by people who suffer from blood pressure changes.
It is believed that this mineral relieves seizures and helps with epilepsy and asthma. The healing properties of malachite make it possible to use it for oncological pathologies. The mineral is believed to slow down the growth of cancer cells. In addition, the stone accelerates the healing of fractures. Malachite generally has a positive effect on the condition of all organs and systems of the body.
It is believed that malachite bracelets protect the body from allergic reactions and problems associated with the epidermis.
Malachite is recommended to be worn by the fair sex during women's days, as well as during childbirth. It will ease a woman’s condition and help her get through difficult moments in life more easily.
This mineral can be worn in a ring, brooches and beads.
Zodiac signs and malachite products
Astrologers explain to whom malachite is ideal according to their zodiac sign. The mineral provides Libra with the greatest support and protection in all matters. People born under this sign become attractive and eloquent. Leos, Taurus, and Aries can also wear malachite products. With their help, the best qualities are revealed, the true goal appears.
Sagittarians become good friends and open up as mentors. Capricorn's prudence increases. Aquarius forgives old grievances. Pisces acquire the ability to choose the right path. Malachite will help all signs strengthen feelings and attract sympathy.
Representatives of the horoscope Scorpios, Virgos, and Cancers are categorically advised not to use products made from malachite.
If malachite suits the owner, then it makes it possible to part with old grievances, harmonize feelings, and improve relationships. The mineral helps get rid of many diseases. Jewelry and objects made from stone delight the eye with aesthetics.