Marvelous Malachite is the gemstone of the week

Malachite is that beautiful banded green stone that is very popular in jewelry and had been for centuries.

Malachite is a form of oxidized copper which is where the green color comes from. The prescence of water also affects the coloring of Malachite. More water in the copper makes it lighter and less makes it darker.  The green patina found on outdoor  copper objects is a form of Malachite.  Malachite is the chemical twin of Azurite and can form Azurite as it oxidizes.

This is a fairly soft stone. On the Moh scale it is only a 3.5 to 4. It is easily scratched and care should be taken when cleaning it. Washing it with water will remove the protective the protective polish causing it to become dull. Never use a product with ammonia to clean it, either.

The Ural Mountains in Russia used to be ta major source of Malachite. Today, most Malachite comes from Zaire. It is also found in Germany, Zambia, Australia, Arizona and Chile. France and England also have deposits of the gemstone.

Nobody is sure where the name Malachite originated, but it seems to come down to two choices.  One is the Greek word for" herb" or "green" which is "malache". The other is the Greek word "malakos" which translates as "soft" due to the softness of the stone.

This gemstone was popular with ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans for amulets and jewelry. They would also mix it with galena, grind it and make eyeshadow out of it. It was being mined in the Sinai peninsula around 4000 B.C.. It was also a popular ornamental stone in Czarist Russia where it was used to make the columns in St. Isacc's Cathedral in Leningrad.

When it comes to the metaphysical aspects of Malachite, it is said to be a protective stone. In the Middle Ages, Malachite amulets were hung over cribs to protect infants from evil. Malachite is also believed to promote inner peace, success in business and hope. It also relaxes the nervous system and calms stormy emotions. It is said that Malachite can also bring harmony into your life.

The Malachite pictured here is from my collection. Be sure to check out the Marvelous Malachite Collection I created with handcrafted jewelry by the talented artisans of ArtFire.

Pictures to go with the previous post

The Red Agate Slice Necklace

The Malachite Christmas Gift

Purple Agate Slice Necklace

Bringing a few older posts with me

I am still on the agate beading kick. This purple one is on a double spiral chain made with SL clear and SL lavender size 15 seed beads, and size 11 purple and clear Miuki seed beads. the peyote bezel also has those beads in it.
I couldn’t decide on the earrings to compliment it, so I did a 2″ long double spiral and connected them with a 4mm crystal bicone to join the ends and made hoops.
I’ve listed them both on etsy and on artfire.

I made this agate slice necklace with beads from SeedBeadSue’s shop. It’s made from silve lined Burnt Orange Delicas, med. topaz and matte topaz, and light topaz Miyuki seed beads. The agate slice is set in a peyote bezel with topaz 15’s added to the above colors and the chain is a simple spiral. It’s a 22″ long chain, so it will just slip over your head.
I made some spiral earrings.

This is a Christmas present for my son’s GF. She loves green the way I love blue, so I’m hoping she likes it.
It’s peyote bezels around 3 malachite cabs hanging on a triple spiral chain made from assorted shades of green seed beads. It has a peyote toggle clasp, too.
I think my motto for a while might be “hooked on spirals works for me”. LOL!

If you want pics, you will have to go to http://dancingwinddesigns.wordpress.com/ . I forgot, with the new computer at work, some of my older pics aren't on the computer anymore. I'll get that fixed soon.