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Malachite Cabochons
Malachite is a semi-precious stone and also a valuable copper ore, hydrous copper carbonate. It is responsible
for the green color of tarnished copper and bronze. Because of its distinctive bright green color and its presence in the
weathered zone of nearly all copper deposits, malachite serves as a prospecting guide for that metal. Malachite has been used
as an ornamental stone and as a gemstone. Malachite derives its name from Greek word malakos - soft. According
to another theory the word malachite comes from Greek malhe, which means grass. Mining Malachite began as early
as 4000 BC by ancient Egyptians. In the Middle ages, malachite was worn to protect from black magic and sorcery. In Ancient
Greece amulets for children were made of malachite.
In the New Stone Age came the discovery of the possibility of extracting
certain metals from the ores in which they generally occur. Probably the first such material to be used was malachite, then
already in use as a cosmetic and easily reduced to copper in a strong fire. It is impossible to be precise about the time
and place of this discovery, but its consequences were tremendous. Namely it led to the search for other metallic ores, to
the development of metallurgy.
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Very pretty cabochon with unusual banded markings and rich shades of green. This cabochon is of African material
and was commercially cut in India. Approx. size: 22x19 Weight: 27.15 cts.
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Very cool piece cut into the shape of an eye. This cabochon was cut in India from African material. As you
can see in the enlarged photo there are a couple of small flaws in the stone. Approx. size: 33x15 Weight: 26.55
cts.
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Unique markings and beautiful, bright shades of green combine to make this commercially cut cab from India one spectacular
piece. Approx. size: 37x21 Weight: 62 cts.
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Large fancy-shaped piece cut in India from African material. Not a true cabochon as the sides and top are flat,
but still a fantastic piece! Approx. size: 34x38 Weight: 51.5 cts.
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Remarkable commercially cut rectangle from India with straight sides and a low dome. That great pattern with the
circles is on the back of the stone for some reason, but it would be great for wirewrapping! Approx. size: 28x33
Weight: 86.7 cts.
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Fancy cut commercial cabochon from India cut from African material. The sides of this piece are flat and there
is only a very slight dome to the top surface. The polish on this isn't as good as it probably should be, so I'm discounting
it. Approx. size: 42x29 Weight: 53.75 cts.
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$5.00
Sold!
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Incredible oval commercial cut cabochon with a great swirly pattern. Approx. size: 22x26 Weight: 45.4
cts.
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