One of the most attractive and beautiful gemstones is malachite, which is an ore of Copper and exhibits a concentration of deep and lighter colored green stripes and circles. It is formed in thin layers and more frequently only found in smaller pieces. Ancient civilizations used the stone in powder form for eye makeup. It is known that malachite jewelry was being made and worn as early as 4000 BC in ancient Egypt. It was thought of as a stone with magical and very strong powers. Strung necklaces of the stone, when worn, were said to bring good luck and provide good health and protection. Amongst mineral collectors, the smaller stone crystals are held in high esteem due to their rarity.

Coming mostly from Zaire, Africa are the more common and abundant massive banded materials. By far, the large majority of malachite in the United States comes from New Mexico and Arizona. France, England and Rhodesia also contribute to the major supply origins. This unique gemstone is always some shade of green in color and in some localities it is mixed with blue azurite which, like malachite, is a copper carbonate. Much of the sterling silver malachite jewelry seen today is actually what is called malachite azurite. Both of the minerals are relatively soft in composition and both take a very nice high polish. However, the polish is not the longest lasting due to normal wear and tear and scratching. The primary uses of the mineral today can be found in the making of beads, cabochons, and a wide variety of hand carved figurine shapes. Its use in making contemporary Native American sterling silver jewelry is also very evident. The abstract shapes and swirls in the stone make it a very popular choice in the contemporary designs we currently see in sterling silver bracelets, malachite necklaces and silver malachite earrings and rings. The distinctive green coloration goes very well in combination with turquoise, coral, onyx and lapis.