Stone of the Wise
Malachite is a Marmite crystal, you either like to work with it or hate it!
I know this is a very strong statement to open a post about the healing properties of a crystal, but no other crystal draws such a decisive reaction.
When I first did my crystal course, a fellow student described the first time she worked with Malachite to the class. She explained that she became extremely moody and would cry for days on end, feeling like she had a great pressure on her chest at all times. This description made me very wary of this stone and it took many years before I truly understood the function and meaning of this crystal.
Malachite is the Stone of Wisdom, it leads you to a deeper understanding of your self.
History:
Malachite has always been prized for its beauty and throughout history has been known as a feminine stone. It has been attributed to various Goddesses through the ages such as Aphrodite, Venus, Hathor, Diana and Freya. It was very much seen as a fertility stone and soon became known as the Midwives’ stone. Along with this it was believed that tied to a baby’s crib it would protect the newborn against evil spirits and magic spells.
Yet it was also highly sought after by Kings. It is believed that it was mined in the Mines of King Solomon and that the Pharaohs had their crowns lined with Malachite as it was a conduit for Divine Inspiration and would ensure that the Pharaohs would always follow wise guidance.
The Egyptians, Greeks and Romans ground Malachite into a powder to use as an eye shadow.
Because of its exquisite beauty it is often used for ornaments, vases, tables and as pillars in architecture.
It was also highly valued by the Russian Tzars, so much so that in 1830 Alexander Briullov designed a drawing room in the Winter Palace, today known as The Hermitage, for the Empress Alexandra Fyodorovna, wife of Nicolas 1 with columns, fire places and other fittings all cut from one haul of Malachite from the Ural Mountians in Russia. This room is known as the Malachite Room.
It was believed that if a Malachite falls and breaks it is a warning of pending danger.
Characteristics:
Malachite is extremely beautiful. It was at one stage known as the peacock stone, because of the eye-like formations when polished.
There is a discrepancy over which Greek word Malachite gets its name from. It is either Malache which refers to its colour and is named after the mallow plant or is Malachos which means soft. Malachite only rates 3 ½ – 4 on the Moh’s scale.
Malachite belongs to the Carbonate family. This means that a metal or semi-metal element combines with a carbonate radical. In the case of Malachite the metal is copper. All Carbonates have very vivid colours. Malachite is a combination of deep green with light green streaks.
Malachite forms most often as stalactites looking like a bunch of grapes, with a banded structure and a crust in oxidized regions of copper deposits. It often grows with other minerals such as Azurite or Chrysocolla.
Function:
Malachite carries the feminine energy. It is a seeker of beauty, a friendship builder and an installer of empathy, but most importantly Malachite instils the desire for knowledge, a desire to find a practical way to help change the negative into a positive.
Malachite really brings you into your own. It helps you to see repeating patterns by bringing messages up from the subconscious. It will make you aware of what you want and need, but will not necessarily give you the tools to achieve these.
It makes you incredibly insightful. You will notice the smallest details and understand the meaning behind each detail. This makes you more critical and with Malachite you are not afraid to voice these.
Malachite stimulates brain activity. It helps you to absorb information and grasp concepts by becoming more visual. Thoughts just flow and decisions are made very quickly.
Lastly Malachite is an excellent protector. It grounds spiritual energies and strengthen one’s auric field.
It will make you aware of any pending danger.
Crystal First Aid:
Malachite will relieve cramp, so wear it close to the affected area.
What to expect:
Malachite is not for the faint-hearted. This may seem like a pun, but it will literally give you heart palpitations if you are not ready to work with this stone. Luckily Malachite tells you if you are ready to take on its mighty power. Always seek the help of a qualified Crystal Healer when you want to work with Malachite.
If you are ready to work with Malachite you will feel strong and self- assured. It breaks down the barriers of shyness and gives you the confidence to rid yourself of negative situations, no matter how difficult it might have appeared earlier. It helps you to take responsibility for your actions. At all times you will be aware that you are in control. You will feel more adventurous and take more calculated risks.
If are you not ready to work with Malachite, you will experience strong mood swings and become extremely tearful, just like the fellow student on the crystal course and as I mentioned earlier, it can also lead to heart palpations. If any of this happens, stop working with Malachite immediately and place yourself in a circle of Rose Quartz for 20-30 minutes. Carry a Rose quartz with you for the rest of the day.
Crystal Quote:
How to work with Malachite:
It is always best to work with Malachite under the supervision of a qualified Crystal Healer and use it as part of a crystal layout which also include Rose Quartz and Azurite.
On advice of your Crystal Healer one can carry a cleansed tumbled crystal for short periods of time.
It is a great stone to meditate with if you wish to explore the subconscious and it will bring memories very strongly back to life. It is an excellent stone for Hypnotherapy practitioners.
Crystal warning:
Always work with a Qualified Crystal Practitioner when working with Malachite.
Never place Malachite directly on any of the heart chakras.
Never place Malachite directly in water.
Disclaimer:
Malachite is an extremely powerful crystal that will dislodge any emotional issues and should only ever be used under the guidance of a qualified Crystal Practitioner. If you suffer from any mental illness or heart condition always ensure that you follow the guidelines of your medical professional or counsellor, before working with any crystal.
The Best Way to Clean Malachite:
Malachite is a very soft crystal and has to be handled with great care. It does not like to be washed nor does it like salt as this will break down the crystal. For the best cleaning results, place your Malachite on a Citrine cluster before and after each use.
Charging:
Always charge Malachite with the energy of the Sun.
Angels, Ascended Masters and Spirit Guides working with Malachite:
Malachite is the second crystal in Archangel Raphael’s healing chest, for Archangel Raphael it is just as important as Emerald as it helps one to heal the heart and break free from the emotional chains we have imposed on ourselves.
Archangel Raphael uses this crystal to guide us to our own inner wisdom, which in turn leads to one’s own spiritual development allowing the vibration of the Earth and its inhabitants to be raised.
Invocation:
“Beloved Archangel Raphael, protect and guide me on my spiritual journey.”
Conclusion:
Wow! Even though I am aware of Malachite’s power and drive, I feel quite drained after writing this blog which has taken me longer than normal to write (nothing that a nice bowl of butternut risotto and a warm drink won’t fix). All I feel I achieved was to put the fear of life into anyone who is considering working with Malachite, but I do urge you to work with Malachite, if you feel inclined to do so as it will help you experience the wonderful adventure that life is. (Of course with the support of a qualified Crystal Healer)
Many thanks again for taking the time to read my blog, as I know that you all live very busy lives and time is precious. I do hope that you find it helpful and do feel free to contact me if you have any queries on any of the crystals I write about.