Malachite

Chemical Formula: Cu2CO3(OH)2
Birthstone for Capricorn and Scorpio
Aligns with the Heart and Upper Heart Chakras

Properties: In Crystal Power Crystal Healing, Gienger mentions that malachite was always a woman’s mineral, and dedicated to a goddess in most cultures. While I have no reason to disbelieve Gienger, my research has not emphasised this feminine aspect, but it has certainly been used medicinally in many cultures for thousands of years. Malachite is a powerful healer and balancer on every level, and has natural bacteriostatic qualities, so can be used to support the immune system and fight infection. Some refer to it as the “midwife stone”, as it is used to ease both labour and period pains, and with its high copper content, is believed to draw off heat and inflammation, and so is an effective treatment for relieving osteoarthritis and other inflammatory illnesses or injuries, as well as reducing fever. It has been used as a protective amulet throughout history, and in modern crystal healing, is often employed to absorb pollution and electromagnetic energy around computers and other electrical appliances. Malachite is potentially toxic if dust is inhaled or it is ingested, so care must be taken when fashioning the material, and when using in a gem elixir, use the secondary method of preparation only.