History
Azurite-malachite is a blend of two distinct and popular gems: the deep, almost lapis-like blues of azurite and the variegated green shades of banded malachite. The name azurite comes from lazhward, a Persian word for “blue,” while “malachite” originally comes from the Greek word molochitis, meaning “mallow plant.” The stone name can sometimes be shortened to azurmalachite. It is commonly cut into cabochons or carved into small objets d’art. The oldest mine known is at Timna Valley in Israel, in operation for over 3,000 years.
These two copper-based gemstones are frequently found in copper mines, or near mines of other copper-based gemstones such as turquoise and chrysocolla. (A blend of azurite, malachite, turquoise and chrysocolla, called “Eilat stone,” is named after the Middle Eastern city of Eilat, where it was once mined. Eilat stone, also known as King Solomon’s stone, is the national stone of Israel.)
In ancient Egypt, Azurite–as a component of lapis lazuli–was used to create the protective blue eye of Horus. It was also ground for use as the pigment “mountain blue,” “Armenian stone” or “Azurro Della Magna.” Many medieval paintings of the Virgin Mary in a blue robe were long thought to be painted using lapis lazuli; chemical analysis has since indicated that azurite was used instead, from the well-known mines in France. Malachite was ground into eyeshadow powder (unfortunately toxic), and referred to their love goddess Hathor as “the lady of malachite.” They thought wearing malachite around their heads and arms protected them from epidemics.
Metaphysical Properties
The synthesis of azurite and malachite produces a mineral which is said to exhibit the properties of each individual stone, plus some which come uniquely from their partnership.
Azurite–sometimes called a “stone of heaven”–is commonly believed to provide insight into all areas of life, promote intuition, stimulate creativity, dissolve impediments and soften cold intellectualism with love and compassion. Malachite, with its striking green bands of color, has been said to encourage action, enact change, heal heartache, enhance creativity, increase fertility and protect the spirit.
United as azurite-malachite, it is believed this mineral blends different traits together, freshens the user’s outlook on life, as well as dissolving egocentric characteristics; dispelling conceit, arrogance and vanity; calming anxiety and enhancing flexibility in motion and thought.
That is why jewelry makers love these stones both individually and together.
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