Malachite Gemstone Beads from Rings & Things: Also known as peacock stone beads, pseudo emerald beads, and silver peak jade beads, our genuine malachite beads include semiprecious beads cut from grade-A malachite. This lush green gemstone is a basic copper carbonate, vividly banded with two or more tones of green. Its name is probably derived from malache, the Greek word for "green" or "herb," for its color, or possibly from the Greek word malakos ("soft") for its low hardness. The beautiful green color comes from the copper contained in the stone (which is an altered form of copper). Water presence also affects the shade: more water in the copper makes it lighter, and less makes it darker. The absence of water makes it black. In fact, the green patina you see on weathered copper roofs is a form of malachite. The gemstone is a chemical twin of azurite, and can form from azurite as it oxidizes. For this reason, the two are commonly found together, sometimes transitioning seamlessly from one to the other.
Because of its low hardness, malachite is fragile, easily scratched and susceptible to becoming dull. Protect it from sharp blows and avoid dramatic temperature changes. Washing malachite in water can remove its protective polish, and be aware that it is easily damaged by acids. Never clean malachite with any product containing ammonia. If you attempt to cut or carve the stone, be aware that its dust is highly toxic!
This semiprecious gemstone was being mined in the Sinai Peninsula as early as 4000 B.C., and has been popular since ancient times for use in jewelry, amulets, and architectural ornaments. Malachite is said to aid in the regeneration of body cells and lend extra energy. It is believed that gazing at malachite or holding it relaxes the nervous system and calms stormy emotions. Malachite is said to bring harmony into one's life, and give knowledge and patience. Zaire is the major source of malachite, but Chile, Zimbabwe, Australia, the U.S.A. (Arizona), France and England also produce this gemstone.
Block Malachite / Manmade Malachite: Our realistic-looking block malachite beads offer you economical options for gemstone jewelry. Block gemstones (sometimes mistakenly called reconstituted gemstones) tend to be composed of all manmade materials, without any actual rock or stone. Tests have shown the material to be lead free!
These faux malachite beads look similar to genuine malachite, and provide the signature pretty bands of varying shades of green. The surface of these beads feels slightly plastic-like, but they do offer a decent gem-like weight and appearance, at a fraction of the cost of real malachite.