Malachite is a banded green copper carbonate, soft (3.5 to 4 on the Mohs scale), which tradition links to transformation and protection. Stunning but fragile and copper-rich, it needs real precautions. Here's what it is and how to handle it.
Malachite is a copper carbonate, recognisable by its concentric light- and dark-green bands. It is soft (hardness 3.5 to 4 on the Mohs scale) and sensitive to acids and heat. Its beauty makes it a prized ornamental stone.
Malachite contains copper: its dust (when ground or polished) must not be inhaled or ingested. As a polished, normally worn piece it is safe, but avoid water, salt and cosmetics, which can damage it, and never use it in "gem water" for drinking. This is the most important precaution to know about this stone.
In crystal tradition, malachite is the stone of transformation, change and protection. These virtues are traditions and beliefs: they are not scientifically demonstrated and replace no medical advice (see sources).
Soft, malachite scratches quickly: keep it for a pendant or earrings, away from knocks and water. Clean it with a dry soft cloth only, never with water or ultrasonics. See our natural stone jewellery guide.
Tradition links it to transformation, change and protection. These virtues are beliefs, with no scientifically demonstrated effect, and replace no medical advice.
As a polished, normally worn piece, no. But it contains copper: don't inhale its dust (grinding), don't use it in drinking water, and avoid water, salt and cosmetics, which damage it.
With a dry soft cloth only. Absolutely avoid water, salt, chemicals and ultrasonics: soft and sensitive, it scratches and degrades easily.
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