Malagite from Congo set in India silver in free form (Supplied assorted)

Malachite is a mineral used as a gemstone. It is a copper carbonate with the chemical formulaCu2CO3(OH)2. In nature it is often found 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 used as a gemstone early on. In Egypt, cameos, amulets and decorative objects were made from it. The Greeks and Romans also knew malachite. The pulverized mineral was used as make-up and as a dye for paint. Malachite was said to be able to protect children against 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 quantities are found in China, India and the Urals, Russia, as well as in Australia. On the American continent, the most important reserves are located in the southwestern United States, mainly in the state of Arizona (a block weighing 4.5 tons was found near Bisbee). Malachites in Mexico, Chile and Cuba are of gemstone 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) to 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 Salm valley and in limestone in Wezet. Malachite is formed in oxidation zones of copper deposits.