Gem Library

BUYER’S OVERVIEW:
Malachite is considered to be a semi-precious gemstone. Relatively abundant in nature, large natural stones are available. Malachite is banded in light and dark shades of green and has a look so distinctive that it is one of the most recognized stones by the general public. Malachite is also one of the softest gemstones used in gemstone jewelry and must be treated with care.

COLOR:
Malachite is a vivid bluish green to green, usually banded in two or more tones of green and may have a sheen.

APPEARANCE:
Opaque

SIZE RANGE:
1 – 100 carats, large pieces are available.

TYPICAL CUTTING STYLES:
Opaque: cabochons, beads, and carvings.

POSSIBLE ENHANCEMENTS & TREATMENTS:
Malachite is sometimes impregnated with paraffin or epoxy resin to improve the polish. This treatment is stable and is not be widely used but it is sensitive to heat.

HARDNESS:
3½ to 4 on the Mohs scale.

BEST USE OF THE GEMSTONE:
Malachite is a very soft gemstone and as such, earrings, pendants, pins, and tie tacks are probably the safest choice for this stone. Rings should be limited to occasional wear and the stones should be set with a protective setting. Avoid rough handing.

CARE & CLEANING:
It is best to never expose colored gemstones to cleaning solvents or chemicals of any kind.
Common cleaning methods include:
Ultrasonic: never
Steamer: never (very heat sensitive)
Warm soapy water: safe
Reaction to Chemicals: can be damaged by acids.
Reaction to Heat: very heat sensitive
Stability to Light: generally stable after prolonged exposure to sunlight or UV light.

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THIS GEMSTONE:
Malachite, whose name comes from the Greek word “mallow”, a green herb, is highly valued for its distinctive green on green swirling bands, no other natural stone looks like it or is more recognized. Malachite is the result of the weathering of copper ores and is often found together with azurite. Except for its vibrant green color, the properties of azurite and Malachite are similar and are frequently found together. Malachite most often is a byproduct of copper mining and large quantities of the stone are found in the United States, especially Arizona and Arkansas. Other sources of Malachite are Africa, Russia, Mexico and Israel to name a few.

Malachite was used as a mineral pigment in green paints from antiquity until about 1800 and in ancient Egypt malachite was used as pigment for cosmetics. Tsar Nicholas II loved Malachite so much he created the Malachite Room in the Hermitage.



DESIGNATION:
This gem has a long history but has no traditions currently associated with it.

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