Eight stunning green pillars of pure malachite stand with two of lapis lazuli separating the nave from the sanctuary in the gold-domed St. Isaac’s Cathedral in St. Petersburg Russia. Mined from the Ural Mountains, Russian malachite was highly prized throughout Europe. An entire room of malachite adorns the Winter Palace. Carl Fabergé used it for his famous carvings. And, in Italy, it was used to ward off the evil eye.
Malachite, from the Greek word for “mallow” because of its leaf-like color, is found in the altered zones of copper deposits all over the world. Possibly the earliest ore of copper, it has been called one of the most important minerals in the history of humankind. In 4000 BC, it was discovered that heating malachite over a hot fire reduced it to native copper, and metallurgy was born.
The Egyptians mined malachite in the Sinai and Eastern deserts using it for pigment and cosmetics. The Chinese also highly prized it as well as the people of the Timna valley in Israel who have been mining it at King Solomon’s mines for over 3,000 years. Today the most beautiful malachite comes from the Democratic Republic of Congo where its brilliant green continues to delight gem lovers around the world.
Energetically, the Italians had it right. They wore eyes of malachite to ward off evil spirits. Malachite is one of the strongest stones for protection against negative energy. It also enhances willpower and strengthens our ability to take action on our thoughts and ideas. Malachite carries the frequency of the enlightened leader and reminds us of our power to manifest with the Universe.