Malachite Beads

Malachite Beads - Banded malachite is a blend of lush medium and dark greens. Natural color variation occurs within each bead, ranging from light to dark -- no two strands or beads are exactly alike. Powdered malachite was once used as a cosmetic. The Greeks associated Malachite with Venus, as copper is her metal, and copper left open to the elements becomes the green stain of Malachite. Egyptians and Europeans of the Middle Ages believed Malachite protected children from evil spirits and 'witchcraft'. Most green stones are associated with abundance and wealth and so Malachite is also said to bring prosperity to it's wearer, sometimes called the 'Business Man's Stone'.