Malachite Crystal
Malachite is a hydrous copper carbonate that is responsible for the greenish hue of a tarnished copper and bronze. It is often results from weathering copper ores and is often found with azurite and calcite. It has a vibrant color that can vary from bright to dark green.
Malachite crystallizes in form of monoclinic crystal system and most often forms botryoidal, fibrous, or stalagmitic masses. Individual crystals are rather rare but do occur as slender to acicular prisms.
The name malachite most probably originates from the Greek word malachos which means soft, but it was also called molochitis lithos - mallow-green stone because it resembles the leaves of the mallow plant.
Large quantities of malachite are mined in Israel, Russia, Congo, Namibia, Zambia, and in Mexico. In the United States it mostly occurs in the South West, especially in Arizona.
Malachite was known in Egypt as early as ca 4000 BC. Ancient Greeks made malachite amulets for the protection of their children. During the Middle Ages malachite was believed to protect from black magic and sorcery.The stone was also used to protect travelers from accidents and other evils of a journey. It was often placed in the bedroom to protect the sleeping person from nightmares. For centuries malachite was used by artists as a mineral pigment in green paints, but was later replaced with synthetic pigments.
Malachite is considered to be a very powerful healing crystal that has the potential to amplify the energy. It can help clear and remove past traumas and deep seated negative emotions, but some caution is advised. The healing process might be too overwhelming as the stone is able to amplify both, the positive and the negative energies. The stone should be cleansed before each application. The best way to cleanse malachite crystals is to place them in the sun or on a quartz crystal cluster.
Malachite is regarded as a stone of transformation that helps facilitate change. It helps to clear and activate the chakras and re-arrange the energy pattern in the body. It is particularly useful in balancing the heart chakra and opens this energy center to unconditional love. It helps to clarify thoughts and break old patterns of behavior. It encourages decision making process, determination and acceptance of change. It teaches one to assume responsibility for his own thoughts, feelings, and actions. It clarifies the thinking process, strengthens intuition and enables deep insight.
Malachite can be used to alleviate many physical conditions, especially those associated with heart and blood circulation. It is believed to enhance the immune system and activate liver, pancreas and spleen. It can help detoxify the body at the cellular level and remove chemical pollutants and radiation from the system.
The stone can be placed on the body during a crystal therapy session. It can also be worn as a jewelry. However, malachite encased in metal is believed to lose its healing power.
Malachite is a beautiful mineral and, like many other crystals, it can bring a beautiful energy to any space. Its green color is calming to the mind and induces relaxation.
By Dominique Allmon
*This article was written for informative purpose only and is not meant to diagnose, treat or cure a disease.
Healing Properties of Mlachite by Dominique Allmon is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.