Malachite

Malachite is a vibrant green copper carbonate mineral known for its striking banded patterns in shades ranging from light green to deep emerald. With a Mohs hardness of 3.5 to 4, Malachite is relatively soft and should be handled with care, especially in jewelry. Its distinctive swirling and concentric rings make it a favorite for carvings, decorative objects, and ornamental inlays. The mineral often forms in the oxidized zones of copper deposits, growing in botryoidal (grape-like), fibrous, or stalactitic forms.

Malachite has been mined and used since ancient times, with early sources in Egypt, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Russia. It was historically used as a pigment for green paints and was believed to offer protection, especially against negative energies and physical danger. Today, major deposits are found in Africa, Australia, and the southwestern United States. Malachite remains popular for its bold appearance and is often associated with transformation, growth, and healing in metaphysical traditions.