The Malachite
The Green Stone of the Tsars…
Malachite is a green copper carbonate. Relatively fragile, it is easy to scratch and isn’t quite resistant to acids. Translucent to opaque, it is recognized for its zonations of colors that can go from light green to black.
MINING
Malachite is found all over the world near copper veins and mines.
The Brazilian, Colombian, Australian, Namibian and Russian mines are the most important and produce very beautiful stones.
A STONE KNOWN FROM THE ANTIQUITY
Ring : Gold, Malachite, Cartier
Neckless : Malchite, Rubies, Yellow Gold, Cartier
Malachite has been used since ancient times, especially in Mesopotamia.
For Egyptians, it symbolized youth, health and rebirth and was associated to the goddess of fertility, Hator.
They crushed the stone to make cosmetics (make-up) or pigments.
Greek warriors wore malachite bracelets as protection. The word Malachite comes from the ancient Greek Malakos which means “soft”.
In the Middle Ages, it was thought that malachite protected children from the devil but also that it allowed to communicate with the wild life.
Malachite Watch, Cartier
Yellow Gold, Diamonds, Malachite Watch, Piaget
In the 19th century, the Tsar Alexander offered Napoleon 1st Malachite objects that can still be admired at the Grand Trianon of Versailles.
The St. Petersburg Winter Palace is known for its halls with malachite columns.
Malachite Columns, Winter Palace, St Petersburg
In addition to works of art, malachite is used in high jewelery.
Malachite celebrates 13 years of marriage.
Malachite, Yellow Gold, Diamonds Brooch, Sterlé
Lapis Lazuli, Yellow Gold, Malachite Brooch, Chaumet
Alhambra Neckless, Malachite, Yellow Gold, Van Cleef And Arpels
Malachite, Yellow Gold, “Serpent Bohème” Ring, Boucheron
If you are interested in malachite, don’t hesitate to discover what Les Pierres de Julie offer in our store…
We are also available for any free expertise of your malachite jewelry, for that you can send an email with your photos to contact@lespierresdejulie.com.
Whether you're interested in buying a piece of jewellery or a stone, a free jewelry appraisal or jewelry resale, Pierres de Julie welcomes you to its Parisian boutique in the Village Suisse, a stone's throw from the Ecole Militaire and the Esplanade des Invalides.