We can all use a little help, encouragement, and inspiration sometimes. Whatever you believe about the healing properties of gemstones, it’s undeniable: Jewelry empowers us. That’s the motivation behind our Gemstone Feature series. By sharing the stories of some of the gemstones gracing our latest Bloom pieces, we celebrate the countless ways jewelry brings positive energy to our lives.

Malachite is considered an alternative birthstone for April and May. I love Malachite for its rich emerald-like color and its uniqueness. Each stone’s patterning is truly one-of-a-kind, such that no two are exactly alike. This gorgeous green gemstone embodies a lot for me personally.  

Malachite is a grounding stone that reminds me of my roots. It’s wonderful to me that I can see both of my grounding spaces in this gemstone: I have always been drawn to water and the ocean, as well as to forests and mountains. The movement in the patterning resembles the tides and currents of ever-flowing water. It reminds me that nothing is static, and life is always moving, changing, and becoming. At the same time, the patterning brings to mind all the layers within the natural landscape, echoing how each forest or mountain is itself unique. For me, both of these spaces — ocean/water and forest/mountain — are reminiscent of time spent resting, resetting, reflecting, and reconnecting with myself and those I love. 

What could Malachite signify in your life? How might it help you connect with your inner “green goddess,” or help your loved one make space for theirs? Read on to learn more about the origins, meaning, and supposed healing properties of Malachite, and make sure to check out Bloom’s new collection of Malachite jewelry. 

What Is Malachite?

According to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), Malachite is a naturally occurring Copper carbonate. The gemstone’s opaque green coloration is created when Copper oxidizes in the atmosphere. Rock Chasing explains that banded Malachite — the variety most often used in jewelry — is formed “as the rock grows in stages, with each layer capturing a moment in time. This layering happens when water rich in Copper minerals slowly deposits this mineral, creating a new stripe with each addition.” This gemstone truly is connected with water and earth. 

Malachite has been used as a decorative material since ancient times, in jewelry, vases, statues, murals, paintings, and other art. Its finely powdered form was historically used to create green pigments. GIA reports that its earliest application was as a cosmetic: In ancient Egypt, Malachite was used as eye paint — basically Wet n’ Wild or Urban Decay for the pharaohs! Malachite also proved popular with painters over the years. Renoir used Malachite pigment in his painting Chrysanthemums. Today, Malachite adorns the base of the FIFA World Cup trophy.

Jewelry-quality Malachite can also be manufactured. In its appearance and characteristics, GIA writes that synthetic Malachite is “virtually identical to the natural material.” Both forms have a low Mohs hardness of 3.5-4.0, so all Malachite jewelry should be handled with care. In particular, make sure to avoid exposing the gemstone to heat, water, and hard impacts. 

What Is the Meaning of Malachite?

The Online Etymology Dictionary indicates that the word “Malachite” comes from a Greek word, malachitis, signifying “mallow stone,” so called for how the stone resembles the color of the leaves of the mallow plant. Over the years, Malachite has become known both as a protection stone and as the “Stone of Transformation.” Its green coloration has also linked the meaning of Malachite to new life, fertility, photosynthesis, energy, growth, and opening oneself to the world’s beauty.

What Are the Healing Properties of Malachite? 

The supposed healing properties of Malachite are thought to include:

• Protection and positivity. Malachite is purported to absorb negative energies, ground the emotions, and increase positivity. Some societies believed wearing the stone could shield them from harmful physical or supernatural forces. In the Middle Ages, people carried Malachite for protection against witchcraft, the evil eye, sickness, and depression. In modern times, Malachite is considered an excellent stone for travel.
• Transformation, guidance, and emotional healing. Malachite is thought to help wearers identify opportunities for transformation and guide their paths accordingly. Gem Rock Auctions indicates that the gemstone earned the “Stone of Transformation” moniker due to the belief that “it can rid its wearer of self-destructive habits and clarify its path toward self-improvement.” It also reports potential benefits of healing deep internal wounds and addressing the ways we hold ourselves back. Other sources suggest Malachite may enhance intuition, insight, inner vision, and powers of observation.
• Openness to new experiences. In line with Malachite’s reputation for transformation, some sources suggest that the gemstone may encourage wearers to be more confident, creative, adventurous, and open to risk-taking, change, love, and new experiences. 
• Aiding sleep. Wikipedia cites a 17th-century Spanish superstition whereby children wore Malachite to keep evil spirits at bay and help them sleep. Some stone healers suggest that it may help alleviate insomnia by promoting more restful sleep. 

Bloom’s Picks for Malachite Jewelry to Honor Your Green Goddess

My personal collection includes the Malachite Wrap Ring, the Malachite Heart Charm and the Malachite Strung Choker. I’ve featured the first two below, along with a version of the choker featuring a rainbow of gemstones. I’ve also included a couple of other favorites from among my new Malachite creations. If you’d like to see more, check out Bloom’s full collection of Malachite jewelry. 
This Malachite Wrap Ring unites Malachite with a 14k Gold Filled ring and hand wrapping to create a piece I’m often drawn to. Whether I’m working on jewelry or typing on my computer, seeing my ring keeps the grounding power of Malachite front and center. 

The Multi Gemstone Strung Choker featuring highlights of Malachite and many other gemstones is one of my favorites this season. So many hues are incorporated in this rich gem palette, including Carnelian, Garnet, Onyx, Malachite, Amethyst, Quartz, Labradorite, Moonstone, and Citrine rondelles. Finished with 2” of extender chain, its 16.75”–18.75” length can be easily adjusted to fit with other layering necklaces. Looking for a different length? Let us know — we’ll be happy to customize yours!

This beautiful Malachite Heart Charm (pictured) is a perfect addition to nearly any Bloom layering chain or charm bracelet. I also love the organic shape and rough-cut edges of our ~1”-long Malachite Freeform Charm. Shop our Charm Bar for more inspiration!

Our gorgeous Malachite Freeform Toggle Necklace is a celebration of the uniqueness of each gemstone, with a large pendant showcasing the stone’s natural edges and inner patterning. The necklace features Curb Chain, PaperClip Chain, and Bloom’s signature hand wrapping.

Lastly, these Malachite Wrapped Hoops are perfect for everyday wear or special occasions. One of Bloom’s signature pieces, these approximately 3”-long hoop earrings are handcrafted with 14k Gold Filled wire, gold-edged Malachite gemstones, and hand wrapping.

Rest assured that any gift you give from Bloom really can last forever! Every piece of jewelry we sell comes with our Lifetime Guarantee. Whether it needs to be repaired, refreshed, polished, or detangled, we are proud to offer complimentary lifetime care. Simply contact us at sales@jewelrybybloom.com to let us know.