*** All information about the metaphysical properties of the listings on this site is for reference only and is to be understood in this context. It is based on research of opinions and beliefs from different cultures today and throughout history and my own personal beliefs.The information is not to be taken as a replacement for a medical examination, diagnosis, or treatment. For medical advice, please consult a healthcare professional. ***

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This piece weighs 16g and measures 4cm x 3cm x .5cm.

These are genuine Malachite Fibrous (silky) pieces from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly Zaire), which is widely considered to be the best in the world. The velvety sheen is caused by a myriad of fine needle crystals that have formed around a nucleus.

Malachite:-

Malachite is a green, common secondary copper mineral with a widely variable habit. Typically it is found as crystalline aggregates or crusts, often banded in appearance, like agates. It is also often found as botryoidal clusters of radiating crystals, and as mammillary aggregates as well.  Named in antiquity by Pliny the Elder 79 CE as molochitus after the Greek ”mallows” in allusion to the green colour of the leaves.  Known in the new spelling, malachites, at least by 1661.  Malachite is a green and common secondary copper mineral with widely variable habit.  Frequently found as a pseudomorph after Azurite crystals, which are generally more tabular in shape.

The  name Malachite may come from the Greek word malakee, or malache, signifying the resemblance of Mallow leaves, or from the Greek word malakos, meaning soft. Being a carbonate of copper, Malachite is sometimes intergrown with Azurite, forming Malachite-Azurite, or with Chrysocolla, forming Malachite-Chrysocolla.

Well known to ancient Egyptians, Malachite mines were in use between the Suez and Sinai as early as 4000 B.C. It was also popular with the ancient Greeks and Romans, for jewellery, ornaments, and in powdered form, for eye shadow. In the Middle Ages, Malachite was believed to protect against the "Evil Eye" and to cure various stomach ailments. Russian czars used Malachite for ornaments and paneling for their castles, and intricate inlay work.