In this article we will consider malachite. What is a green gem? It is a mineral, the main carbonate of copper. It forms masses of the sintered form with a green fiber-radial structure. Previously, it was used for the extraction of copper, but today crafts are created from it. The largest modern deposits are located in Africa.
Properties and composition
What is famous for malachite (stone)? The description of its properties is presented in full. Malachite consists of 8.2% H₂O (water), 71.9% CuO (copper oxide (Cu 57%)), 19.9% CO₂ (carbon dioxide). In ancient times, it was called copper green carbon dioxide (an obsolete chemical name).
Monoclinic syngony is known to have a hardness of 3.5–4.0, and a density of 3.7–4.1 g / cm³. It is painted green in various shades. It is distinguished by a gloss depending on the addition: silky in pieces and fine-fiber aggregates, glass in crystals.
The habitus of crystals is lamellar, needle-shaped, prismatic. Druze prone to splitting with the formation of spherocrystals, spheroidolite dendrites, fine-fibered spherulites. When heated in a flask, they turn black and emit carbon dioxide, water: (CUOH) ₂CO₃ → 2CuO + Co₂ + H₂O.
What else is malachite known for? What is its "exclusivity"? You will learn this from the following description: a green stone dissolves in acids, releasing carbon dioxide, and in ammonia, coloring it blue.
Even in time immemorial, people knew how to get free copper from malachite. So, in conditions of partial combustion of coal, carbon monoxide appears and the following reaction occurs: (CuOH) ₂CO₃ + CO → 3CO₂ + 2Cu + HO₂.
Forms of finding
Many people ask: "Malachite - what is it?". We will try to answer this question in full. It is known that in nature malachite stands out extremely different forms. Well-formed crystals are always small and very rare, have a lamellar, columnar, needle-like appearance, are characterized by a tendency to splitting with the formation of balls, beams, split like a rosette of spherocrystals, spherulites and their extravagant modifications - cluster spheroidolite dendrites and spheroidolites.
The most characteristic and well-known are fine-fiber spherulitic zonal-concentric kidney-shaped aggregates, which endow a polished section with a picturesque bizarre pattern. They grow from nonequilibrium, excessively saturated solutions. Malachite is sometimes found, which has formed in the form of pseudostalactites, smears, streaks, roughly columnar and granular structures.
Occurrence
A typical mineral formed during hypergene processes is found on the surface of oxidation zones of hydrothermal polymetallic and copper ore deposits. It constantly accompanies various copper ores, appearing due to their weathering, due to which it often forms pseudomorphs in chalcopyrite, cuprite, minerals from the category of faded ores, and so on. Typical malachite pseudomorphs in azurite. The following minerals are found near the green stone: chalcosine, goethite, azurite, chalcopyrite, limonite, pseudomalachite (elite), bornite, brocanthite, cuprite, tetrahedrite, native copper.
It is interesting that the bronze antiques found by archaeologists are covered with a green gem, which is distinguished by the ease of education.
Bosom
Where can I find malachite (what is this gem, we are considering)? In the Urals. This area is famous for malachite deposits. Green stone is also found in Kazakhstan (Zhezkazgan) and Altai. Its large clusters are hard to find. They say that Russian underground pantries are almost exhausted. The industrial deposits of malachite - Gumeshevskoye in Polevskoy and Mednorudyanskoye in Nizhny Tagil - are fully developed and closed today.
The largest block of malachite weighing about 500 kg is stored in the Mining Institute. By the way, some experts believe that in the Urals you can open new underground pantries. Unfortunately, today the reserves of this amazing stone were found only at the Korovinsko-Reshetnikovsky deposit, with the help of which they plan to restore the Ural malachite business.
Colossal Russian deposits
The following major malachite deposits are located in the Russian Federation:
- High Mountain (deposits discovered in 1722);
- The Mednorudnyanskoye field is located near Nizhny Tagil (discovered in 1722);
- Gumeshevsky mine - abandoned subsoil of copper ores in the Urals (discovered in 1702);
- Korovinsko-Reshetnikovsky deposits (discovered in 1908).
Malachite in Western Europe is found in Chessy (near Lyon), in Rezzebani, Cornwall, the Harz and so on.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is considered to be the main source of green mineral for decorating and jewelry. A specific feature of African malachite is large concentric regular rings with a contrasting gradation of light and dark zones.
Using
So, we continue to study malachite. What does the use of this gem mean for modern jewelry? This stone is actively used in malachite business. Tight discrepancies of intense color with a picturesque pattern are highly appreciated and used to create vases, inlays (cladding caskets, floors), cabochons for inclusion in small jewelry crafts and so on.
The columns of St. Isaac's Cathedral in St. Petersburg are covered with thin plates made of green gem. An ancient malachite vase of impressive size adorns the hall of the Mineralogical Museum named after Fersman. Paints and mineral pigment are made from the smallest crumbs. And this mineral is used by metallurgists. Since the days of ancient Egypt, they receive copper from malachite ore.
Healing qualities
What other properties is famous for malachite? What does this stone mean for people? Sorcerers claim that it is a wonderful remedy for skin diseases. Malachite bracelets cleanse it of allergic rashes and red spots. Green stone beads, according to the healers, significantly improve hair growth. Lithotherapists say that this gem eliminates attacks of bronchial asthma, improves vision, and treats eye diseases. It is believed that malachite plates can cure a person of rheumatism (they are put on sore spots). This mineral also affects the forehead chakra and the heart.
Vedic qualities
Many people like malachite (stone). Magical properties, photographs - they study all this with great pleasure. In ancient times, it was believed that this stone is a conductor of the energy of the universe to our planet. People told that a green gem can turn a person into invisibility, and to understand the language of animals, you need to drink from a malachite cup. In Russia they said that this mineral fulfills desires. Professionals testify that malachite is a very powerful magic stone, and if you do not deal with it, it can be very dangerous, especially for women.
Those who like malachite (stone), how to wear it, are interested. It is known that this gem attracts the attention of the opposite sex to its owner so strongly that it risks becoming an object of violence. Therefore, the masters advise to set it in silver, which neutralizes men.
Malachite is a May stone. He has great power this month. They say that if you wear a malachite talisman in May, you can get rid of melancholy, insomnia, and groundless fears. The dark green mineral enhances and preserves the spiritual strength of its owner, harmonizes the environment with its inner world. Astrologers say that malachite should be worn by people who were born under the sign of Libra. He gives them charm, makes them attractive, gives eloquence. Other signs of the zodiac can also wear products with this stone. Only Virgo and Cancer can he do harm.
As a talisman, green stone should be used by those who wish to increase their charm and attractiveness. Writers, artists, musicians are helped by malachite, set in copper. Artists most of all need this gem, but for them it is set into white metals: platinum, aluminum, silver.
Varieties
Have you ever seen malachite? What color stone is mined in the Urals? In this region, two basic types are obtained - plisse malachite and turquoise. The first is distinguished by a stunning velvet sheen, dark rich shades and a radially radiant structure. This species is difficult to process, so it is not too popular.
Turquoise malachite is the most valuable and common stone. It differs in that the strips of its pattern are placed parallel to the concentric texture. The color palette is turquoise and bluish-emerald stones. The turquoise look is divided into ribbon and small-subspecies subspecies.
Products from malachite must be protected from shock and sudden changes in temperature. Abrasives and acids adversely affect this mineral. Such jewelry can only be cleaned in a cold soapy solution. Ultrasonic and steam treatment must be completely eliminated.
Traditions
In Russia, malachite has long been considered a stone of fulfillment of desires. It is a powerful amulet of love, patronizes people who value wisdom. In the Urals, there is a tradition that malachite must be given to simple-minded, open, kind, unhappy people. It is to them that he brings well-deserved luck. The gem takes away evil and evil eye from them, protects from dangers, gives a serene sleep, dispels children's fears. And in ancient times it was believed that malachite protects its owner from cholera. In the Middle Ages, this stone was recognized as a talisman, promoting a safe pregnancy and childbirth. Demolition women wore malachite pendants made in the form of a cross or a heart on their necks.
In Egypt, this gem was used by the autocrats as the most important stone of power. In the Middle Ages, alchemists claimed that with the help of malachite it is possible to create an elixir of life, they believed that it protects a person from falling from a height. It was ground into powder, which was used in cosmetics and for treating eyes.
This gem absorbs energy, so after use it must be cleaned, otherwise it will fade and lose its strength. To do this, you can put the mineral for three hours on a druse or use the water-solar method. Salt can not be used, since the stone is very soft, scratches can remain on it.
Drawings on malachite stones reflect their essence and purpose. Outlines similar to targets indicate work with the third eye. With these minerals, chakras can be opened to increase the flow of energy.
We hope that now you can apply malachite for its intended purpose.