Fibrous Malachite Stone

Malachite's name is derived from Greek, meaning mallow green stone. The mineral was given this name due to its resemblance to the leaves of the Mallow plant with their deep green color. Malachite was so desired for its color, it was used as a mineral pigment in green paints from antiquity until about 1800. Although no longer serving a functional purpose, malachite is still much sought after for jewelry and as decor. Each of these specimen has a unique structure, most resulting from botryoidal masses.  A 17th-century Spanish superstition held that having a child wear a lozenge of malachite would help them sleep, and keep evil spirits at bay. Marbodus recommended malachite as a talisman for young people because of its protective qualities and its ability to help with sleep. It has also historically been worn for protection from lightning and contagious diseases and for health, success, and constancy in the affections. During the Middle Ages it was customary to wear it engraved with a fig