Cylinder Malachite Necklace

The Stone: Malachite, a Green Copper Mineral

Malachite is a basic copper carbonate from the carbonate class of minerals and crystallizes in the monoclinic system. Its color does not come from dye but from the copper in the mineral itself. That is why the stone only comes in shades of green, from a light spring green to a dark green that is almost black. Its banded pattern is typical and forms when the stone is deposited in thin layers. With a Mohs hardness of 3.5 to 4, it is one of the soft gemstones and does best in a protective setting. Its name goes back to the Greek malache, meaning mallow, a plant whose leaves are just as rich a green. When polished, malachite shows a silky luster.

Material and Craftsmanship

You can choose between 925 sterling silver and a warm 14K gold-filled setting. 14K gold-filled is a real, thick layer of gold that is firmly bonded to a base metal. Unlike simple gold plating, which is applied only wafer-thin, wears off over time, and fades fairly quickly, 14K gold-filled keeps its warm gold tone for years. The malachite is cut as a slim, faceted cylinder, so the banding runs differently across every facet. Each stone is set individually by hand. It hangs on a fine chain whose square links interlock closely, so it lies smoothly against your neck. You choose the length when you order: 45 cm (17.7 in) or 40 cm (15.7 in).

Meaning of the Stone

In ancient Egypt, this stone was already being ground into powder and used as a green pigment for adornment and eye makeup. Later, in Russia, entire halls were lined with the banded stone. By tradition, malachite is considered a stone of courage that stands for change and determination. It is traditionally associated with the month of May, which makes it a personal gift.

Caring for Your Malachite Necklace

The chain itself is water-resistant and made for everyday wear. The stone, however, is better kept dry, because it is soft, porous, and sensitive to acids. So take the necklace off before you shower, go to the sauna, or swim in the ocean or a pool. The stone also doesn't handle perfume, lotions, or harsh cleaners well.

Clean your malachite necklace with a soft cloth that is dry or only slightly damp, and dry it right away. Ultrasonic cleaners, steam, and high heat damage the stone. Store the necklace in a dark, dry place, apart from harder pieces of jewelry, because direct sunlight can bleach the green over time. That way, the green and the banding of your stone stay beautiful for a long time.