Malachite

Malachite is a vibrant and unmistakable copper carbonate mineral, renowned for its striking green hues that range from light, almost minty shades to deep, rich forest greens, often displaying captivating banded, concentric, or swirling patterns. These distinctive patterns are formed as the mineral crystallizes in botryoidal (grape-like) or stalagmitic masses within the oxidation zones of copper deposits. With a relatively soft Mohs hardness of 3.5 to 4, malachite is easily carved and polished, making it a popular choice for ornamental objects, sculptures, and cabochons in jewelry. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, malachite holds significant historical importance, having been used since antiquity as a pigment, a source of copper, and in various cultures for its purported metaphysical properties, including protection, transformation, and emotional healing.