Congo A malachite pyramid (base 30mm)

30mm Congo Malachite Pyramid.
Sold individually.
Colors and patterns may vary from piece to piece.

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 that 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 often the interpretation that is retained.

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

This stone is easily recognized by its green, more or less dark, more or less light, dotted with light veins, or on the contrary black. 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 credit. The first uses of malachite date back to at least 4,000 years BC. It can be said that its history goes back to the dawn of time. For thousands of years, 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 a new life. They even called the afterlife 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 crushed and used as a cosmetic (eye shadow), while being known to relieve eye infections.

The ancient Greeks considered malachite to be a protective stone with many medicinal virtues. Fighters wore it as an amulet in war. The Greeks also discovered the delicate and meticulous engraving of malachite cameos. Later, malachite was widely used in the creation of ornaments for facades, living rooms and corridors. The Temple of Artemis in Ephesus, one of the seven wonders of the world, is decorated with malachite.

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

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 injuries from enemies 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, many malachite works can be seen all over the world. In the United States, in 1819, the French sculptor Pierre-Philippe Thomire created the bronze ornamentation of the Demidof Vase in malachite veneer, 1.71 m high.

In France, there is even the Malachite Salon at the Grand Trianon Palace in Versailles. Most of the malachite ornaments visible in museums and castles come from Russian malachite deposits, particularly those from the Ural mines.

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 green to dark green. Spring symbolizes renewal. This green color of malachite brings hope and serenity. It helps combat stress and anxiety.

Wearing a malachite gives vitality and energy. It makes you want to have projects and achieve them. It allows you to overcome life's difficulties. This stone is a real moral support.

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

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

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