Malachite on plexiglass pedestal from Zaire (Congo)

Malachite is a mineral that is used as a gemstone. It is a copper carbonate with the chemical formula Cu2CO3(OH)2. It is often found in nature together with the related azurite (Cu3(CO3)2(OH)2). The crystal structure is monoclinic and is usually botryoidal in shape. The name of the mineral comes from Greek and refers to the color of the mallow (mallow). Malachite was worked as a gemstone early on. In Egypt, cameos, amulets and ornaments were made from it. The Greeks and Romans also knew malachite. The pulverized mineral was used as make-up and as a colorant for paint. It was claimed that malachite was able to protect children from sorcery and witchcraft. In ancient times it was thought that it could cure eye ailments. In the 16th century it was used in Central Europe to promote the growth of children and to relieve pain. Malachite is found worldwide. In Asia, significant amounts are found in China, India and the Uralins of Russia, as well as in Australia. On the American continent, the main reserves are in the southwestern United States, mainly in the state of Arizona (a 4.5-ton block was found near Bisbee). Malachites in Mexico, Chile and Cuba are of gem quality. However, the most important and historically best-known malachite reserves are in Africa. Malachite has been mined here since ancient times in the Copperbelt ("copper belt") in Congo-Kinshasa and Zambia. The malachite zone extends from the province of Katanga (Congo-Kinshasa) into Zambia. These malachites are considered the most beautiful and best in the world. Beautiful malachite crystals are found in Namibia (Tsumeb), Morocco, Zimbabwe and Angola. Europe has only small sites of little significance in Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, England and France. In Belgium malachite is found in the valley of the Salm and in limestone in Visé. Malachite arises in oxidation zones of copper deposits.