Congo AA Malachite Bracelet (3-4mm Faceted Beads)

BRA-MAL-15
Origin: Congo
Grade: AA

Elastic bracelet made of 3-4mm faceted malachite beads.
Patterns and colors may vary from bracelet to bracelet.

The name malachite comes from the ancient Greek "malaikhé" which translates to "mauve". This is not the name of the color mauve, but of the plant called "mauve", (a plant which has beautiful, relatively soft green leaves).

Another hypothesis indicates that the origin of the name malachite comes from the Greek "Malachos" which means "soft" in reference to the tenderness of the stone. This is the interpretation often accepted.

Malachite belongs to the large carbonate family. This stone is actually a true hydrated copper carbonate. It has a hardness of 3.5 to 4 on the Mohs scale, making it a soft stone. Working with it in jewelry requires skill to avoid breaking or scratching it.

This stone is easily recognized by its green color, which can be more or less dark, more or less light, dotted with light or black veins. Its green color results from the presence of copper. More rarely, malachite sometimes takes the form of prismatic crystals.

Unlike many stones, malachite has many stories, legends, and myths to its name. The earliest uses of malachite date back to at least 4,000 BC. Its history can be said to date back to the dawn of time. For millennia, malachite has been used by many civilizations for therapeutic, medicinal, cosmetic, and decorative purposes.

In ancient Egypt, the venerable green stone was a symbol of rebirth, eternal youth, and good health. For the Egyptians, death was a sign of new life. They even referred to the afterlife as the realm of malachite.

Egyptian women wore malachite as an amulet bearing the image of Thoueris, the protective goddess of motherhood. In everyday life, malachite is ground and used as a cosmetic (eyeshadow), while also being reputed to relieve eye infections.

The ancient Greeks considered malachite a protective stone with numerous medicinal properties. Warriors wore it as an amulet in war. The Greeks also discovered the delicate and meticulous carving of malachite cameos. Later, malachite was widely used to decorate facades, living rooms, and corridors. The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, was decorated with malachite.

In Roman civilization, malachite was often confused with chrysocolla. However, Pliny the Elder (23 AD - 79 AD), a famous naturalist, described it perfectly in his encyclopedia, Natural Histories. The Romans gave malachite pendants to children to protect them from lightning during storms.

In the Middle Ages, curious abilities were attributed to malachite, including the ability to understand animals! However, Jean de Mandeville (beginning of the century - 1372), a famous explorer, described malachite and attributed the same virtues to it: protection of children against bad luck, against enemy injuries and against certain illnesses.
At that time, malachite, imported from the Near East, was ground into powder and then used to tint icons, wall frescoes and illuminations green.

Today, numerous malachite works can be seen around the world. In the United States, in 1819, the French sculptor Pierre-Philippe Thomire created the bronze ornamentation for the 1.71 m high malachite-plated Demidof Vase.

In France, there is even a malachite exhibition at the Grand Trianon Palace in Versailles. Most of the malachite ornaments on display in museums and palaces come from Russian malachite deposits, particularly those mined in the Urals.

The main deposits are located in Congo, Australia, Canada, Germany, Mexico, etc.

In lithotherapy, malachite, with its green color, restores energy and vitality. In spring, nature reveals greens of all shades, from light to dark green. Spring symbolizes renewal. The green color of malachite brings hope and serenity. It helps combat stress and anxiety.

Wearing malachite gives vitality and energy. It inspires the desire to make plans and achieve them. It helps overcome life's challenges. This stone provides true moral support.

It encourages change and improves connections with others. It allows one to open up to others, strengthening compassion and empathy. The person demonstrates listening and understanding skills. Dialogues and relationships are of high quality.

Malachite enhances the power of persuasion by providing clear, concise, and structured speech. It also helps develop self-confidence and self-esteem. This stone radiates powerful positive vibes.

Placed in a bedroom, it helps banish dark thoughts and induces restful and soothing sleep. It effectively combats states of intense sadness.