Azurmalachite pendant.

Although malachite can be a minor ore of copper, it is mostly used for jewelry and carvings. It is commonly found in combination with other minerals; for jewelry use, azurite (azurmalachite), chrysocolla, and shattuckite often show up in the mix.

Knowledge of malachite goes as far back as the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans where it was used for jewelry, eye shadow, and as a pigment for paints. Paint using malachite has been found in Egyptian tombs and in European paintings from the 15th and 16th centuries. A stunning use of malachite can be seen at the Winter Palace at the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia,  which features “the Malachite Room” with  ornamental columns, vases and fireplace panels made from malachite.

There are both synthetic and imitation versions of malachite. With a little practice, they can be easily recognized.

Malachite is very soft (3.5 – 4 on the Moh’s Scale of Mineral Hardness) and scratches easily. It is also sensitive to chemicals and is sometimes coated with resin or wax to help protect it. Malachite necklaces and earrings are less likely to incur damage than rings or bracelets. Malachite jewelry should be cleaned with mild dish soap and water and a soft brush. Do not use steamers or chemical or ultrasonic cleaners as they can damage the stone and/or remove any protective coatings.