I've always loved Malachite's intense green concentric bands of colour and beautiful swirling patterns and have had a couple of these crystals for a long time but never actually worked with them. So, when one caught my eye recently, I decided to find out what I could about it.
When I want to work with a crystal I cleanse and charge it first. There are many ways of doing this and some crystals are more delicate than others, so it's best to research the crystal you have chosen to find out the safest way of doing this. Malachite is a soft stone and easily damaged by salt, so I placed it in a quartz geode for at least 24 hours. Then when I was ready to try it out, I held it in my left hand, closed my eyes, took a few deep breathes and concentrated on its energy, feeling a tingle in my hand that spread up my arm, to my head and back down through my body. Usually I do this for just a few minutes, but the energy I felt from Malachite was so lovely that I didn't want to stop. It felt very calming and soothing and gave me a deep feeling of peace.
I kept my crystal with me for several days, it fitted quite nicely into that little tiny pocket in the front of my jeans (does anyone actually know what that pockets for? ) during the day; at night I kept it under my pillow. Like many people, I don't sleep well, and I lay awake for ages trying to stop the constant brain chatter. I've tried other crystals before that have a reputation for helping sleep problems, but none I've tried so far have helped.
However, Malachite worked really well, I held it and its relaxing energy seemed to calm my mind and soothe me back to sleep. It also seemed to enhance my dreams, so that I could remember them on waking. I wasn't expecting this at all! I've never seen it in any list of crystals that help with sleep, but it worked for me. I definitely recommend to anyone suffering with sleep problems to experiment with different crystals not usually associated with sleep to find one that works for you.
It's been a couple of weeks now since I started working with Malachite. I find it helps improve my focus for meditation and calms me when I'm feeling stressed and has helped ease pain and headaches. It has quickly become one of my favourite crystals, and I don't feel ready to put it to one side yet.
Malachite is a soft mineral formed from the decomposition of copper ore exposed to water and air, making them good indicators of the presence of copper which is responsible for the beautiful green colouring. It is found in many areas of the world including Africa, Russia, Australia, Brazil and the U.S. It is commonly found with blue Azurite and sometimes the two are found banded together, forming what is known as 'Azure-Malachite' in the gem and mineral trade.
Malachite has been a popular and much-loved mineral for many thousands of years, dating back as far as 4000 BC. Polished banded specimens of Malachite are often carved into ornamental objects such as boxes and animal figures, when properly polished they are much sort after and can be quite valuable.
The ancient Egyptians mined Malachite for jewellery and ornaments and as a green pigment, the headdresses of pharaohs were said to be lined with Malachite to raise their vibrations to higher levels and The Book of the Dead indicates that they believed the Goddess of the sky 'drops stars on the earth in the form of green stones'.
Russian legend tells that drinking from a chalice of Malachite will bestow the power to understand the language of animals for eternity. Is that how Dr. Doolittle did it?
The name 'Malachite' comes from the Greek word for the mallow plant 'maloche', due to the leaves being a similar colour.
Malachite is sometimes referred to as 'Peacock stone'; it is sacred to the Roman goddess Juno (whose sacred bird is the peacock) as she was enchanted by the eye like patterns on this mineral, much like the pattern in peacocks’ feathers.
Throughout history Malachite has been used as a protective amulet, said to protect from the evil eye and curses.
Malachite has many healing properties, it is excellent for drawing out imbalances in the body, reducing inflammation and soothing aches and pains.
It can assist in restoring vitality and strength after illness or surgery and can be used to release toxins from the body.
Only work with polished tumble stones of Malachite externally, in its raw form the dust is toxic. If you do want to make a gem elixir, the indirect method must be used so it doesn't touch the water. To do this you will need:
. Two glass containers that fit one inside the other with room between them. For example, a small glass jar inside a glass bowl.
. Spring Water
. Your chosen crystal
Place the crystal in the small glass jar, place it inside the glass bowl. Carefully pour the water into the bowl and stand in sunlight or moonlight for at least 4 hours. Remove the glass jar with the crystal and bottle the mother tincture in a glass bottle with an airtight stopper. To keep for more than a week, add fifty percent brandy or vodka as a preservative. Add to bath water or dilute a few drops into a glass of water to drink.
Malachite is said to be effective on all the chakras, it brings balance and harmony to the heart chakra, and placed on the third eye it will enhance visualization and psychic vision.
Well known as a stone of protection, Malachite can be worn or carried to guard against negativity as well as emotional and physical harm; legend tells that Malachite will break into pieces to warn its wearer of forthcoming danger.
Carry or wear Malachite to protect you from negative energies, it screens out harmful vibrations from your aura keeping you positive and protecting you at the same time.
Malachite is very useful when you’re feeling exhausted, frustrated and are struggling to cope with life, but care must be taken as it can amplify any energy one projects, positive and negative!
A stone of transformation, Malachite will support you and give you the strength and courage to cope with sudden change and overcome difficulties.
Magically, Malachite has long been used to lend extra power to rituals and spells. Wear or hold it or place it on your altar to give an extra boost to the energy you send towards your goal.
Keep Malachite with you when working divination to enhance your psychic skills.
Use in spells for protection, particularly those for children. You could let your child help with creating a crystal grid of protection which includes Malachite and pop one in their pocket or school bag to keep them safe.
Malachite is wonderful for increasing concentration skills and enhancing intuitive vision, making it a perfect stone to hold or keep beside you while meditating.
Wear Malachite pendants and beads near your heart to expand your ability to love and draw love to you. Malachite rings and bracelets could be worn on your left hand/wrist for the same effect.
Cleanse and charge your Malachite regularly, its ability to absorb negativity may make it prone to weakness and damage. It can be cleansed and charged by placing it in a quartz cluster or in a geode, smudging, or place it somewhere where it will catch the light of the full moon.