Lovely lightly banded 10mm Malachite rounds on 16-inch strands Malachite is a relatively common semi-precious gem that has been popular through the ages. Russian Czars paneled whole rooms in it. Malachite was popular with ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Roman for jewelry, amulets, carvings and eye shadow! In the Middle Ages it was used as a pigment and as an amulet to protect children. The best specimens are cut and polished to reveal bands and rings in alternating shades of green from pale to near black. Today Zaire is the most prolific producer, but beads made there don’t have the uniformity of those cut and polished in China, Hong-Kong, or Germany. Malachite is a birthstone for Taurus and related to the heart chakra Metaphysical: Malachite protects from negative energies and assists in maintaining emotional balance, while avoiding taking on the emotional baggage of others. Care: avoid sharp knocks, acids, abrasion and steam/ultra-sonic cleaners
