Malachite: Stone of Transformation

by Katie Hacker for CandieCooper.com

Are you thinking of making a transition in your life? Malachite is a good stone to support you through this transformation. Malachite is known as a healing stone that helps balance body, mind and spirit. It helps clear blockages, supports change and stimulates insight.

The color green symbolizes growth and renewal, making malachite’s striped patterns symbolic of abundance and new beginnings. You can increase its nourishing wood energy by combining it with wooden beads. Turquoise, hematite and pyrite are also good partners.

You might be drawn to malachite for its ability to help balance emotions, guard against negativity and support change. A malachite stretch bracelet is a visual reminder to check-in with yourself. What do you need to let go of so you can move forward?

Worn by ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans, malachite is back in the spotlight. People are attracted to the boho vibe that made the verdant green stone so appealing in the 70s. Trend-spotters at this year’s JCK Las Vegas report that beaded bar necklaces, stacked bracelets and eye-catching pendants are giving it a fresh, updated look. People are attracted to the boho vibe that made the verdant green stone so appealing in the 70s.

Malachite is not just for jewelry. Bring the peacefulness of nature into your home by hanging a strand of malachite where you’ll often see it. Or, attach malachite to your key ring for safe travels. Malachite has a long history of being incorporated into the home.

Jewelry journalist and expert Cathleen McCarthy of The Jewelry Loupe says, “what I think of every time I see malachite (especially large pieces) is Imperial Russia, especially the Malachite Room of the Winter Palace. Also I think of Nicolai Medvedev’s intarsia boxes. Nicolai has lived and worked in the U.S. for many years but he trained in Moscow and spent a lot of time at the Hermitage. He is a master of intarsia and malachite is a primary feature of his work.”

Although malachite is known for being mined in Russia, it is now primarily mined in Africa. African malachite is particularly known its concentric patterns. Usually found near copper deposits, malachite is formed through the combination of carbonated water, limestone and copper.

If you’re going to cut malachite slabs into cabochons or other shapes, metalsmith Jeff Fulkerson says, “Malachite is a beautiful stone. It’s a copper derivative as so many stones are (turquoise, azurite, chrysocolla). When cutting it, #1 – it’s toxic, so wear a mask and ALWAYS cut wet. #2 – The lines and patterns that make it so appealing also make it ‘chippy’ meaning it tends to chip and split as you try to cut/polish it. No way around it, just go for it.”

That’s the message of malachite. If you’re ready to make a change: ready, set, go for it! Set your intention and get started. The vibrant energy of malachite will support your transformation.

Katie Hacker is the host of Beads, Baubles & Jewels. She loves gemstones and their attributes. She’s going to place a strand of malachite near her computer for productivity.