MALACHITE
A mineral from the group of carbonates, malachite is composed of 57% copper, making it an important ore to extract this metal.
Its name would come from Latin "Malachites", a deformation of the ancient Greek "Molochē" or "Malachē" which translates as mallow (a plant). This is due to the resemblance between the mineral with its hypnotizing curved lines and spirals and the patterns of mallow leaves.
Its color ranges from light to intense green, with crystals in shades of darker green that in some cases are almost black. Its shine is silky or matte.
Highly appreciated in ancient Egypt, it was already extracted thousands of years ago in the Sinai region. They linked the color green with vegetation, youth and regeneration, which would explain their high esteem for this gem.
According to their beliefs, in the afterlife was a field of reeds, and in some eras it was a field of malachite.
The ancient Greeks and Romans carved malachite amulets, jewelry, and statues. It was sometimes referred to as the "peacock stone."
Used as a mineral colorant since ancient times, it was used in medieval times to paint icons and frescoes. Various painters, particularly Italians, also used it during the Renaissance.
Due to its characteristic bluish-green tones and former use as a pigment, the color malachite green exists.
It is too soft a mineral to be engraved but has been used in the manufacture of art objects such as ornaments, jewelry, furniture, trophies and columns.
Symbol of calm and also of transformation due to its textures, curved lines and spirals of greenish tones, it is a gem that invites self-improvement and risk-taking.
Particularly recommended for travelers and children, as it is a healing and protection gem, it has long been believed to ward off evil eye, evil spirits and spells.
On the physical level, malachite is reputed to help build endurance, while relieving muscle pain and improving blood circulation.
A powerful gem of purification, it is said to have anti-inflammatory and disinfectant properties.
Its green color is linked to hope and serenity. It influences the mind by keeping negative thoughts and nightmares at bay, allowing better management of stress and anxiety levels in order to have a deeper and more restful sleep.
There are deposits in various regions of the world as malachite is found in Colombia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Africa, Zimbabwe, France, Namibia, the United States and China.
In the Grand Trianon Palace, in Versailles France, is the Malachite Hall. This room contains many art objects such as candlesticks, pots and bowls made from malachite blocks that were a gift from Emperor Alexander I of Russia to Napoleon I.
Chapultepec Castle in Mexico City was the domicile of Emperor Maximilian of Mexico and his consort, Empress Carlota. Built on an ancient Aztec sacred site, it is one of the only royal castles in the Americas. Converted in 1939 into the National History Museum, one of its rooms has a gigantic malachite door, carved from a block from Siberia.
The base of the FIFA World Cup Trophy is malachite.