Malachite Vs Emerald – Facts, Uses & More

When it comes to gemstones, green is a popular choice. In fact, there are many to choose from, including emeralds and malachite. 

Emeralds are one of the most famous, historical, and gemstones ever. They belong to the Beryl family, which includes Morganite and Aquamarine. 

Malachite Vs Emerald - Facts, Uses & More

The stone itself has been mined for over 4,000 years – from Ancient Egypt to modern times. Anyone who has gazed at the gem’s intense hues has fallen under its spell. 

This is one of the main reasons why it can be found in some of the most stunning jewelry in the world. 

Another similar gemstone is Malachite, a copper carbonate hydroxide mineral. Due to its monoclinic crystal system and opaque and green color, it is often mistaken for an emerald. 

Malachite is often formed deep underground and can even be found in stalagmite masses. Rare malachite features individual crystals. 

With this in mind, this guide will explore everything you need to know about malachite and emerald to distinguish the two gemstones once and for all. 

What Is Malachite?

Malachite can be categorized as a green copper carbonate hydroxide mineral that features a chemical composition of Cu2(CO3)(OH)2.

In fact, it was one of the first ores used to create copper metal. Although, today, it is of minor importance as an ore since it is typically found in small quantities. 

That said, it can be sold at a higher price for other types of uses. 

The stone itself has been used as a sculptural material and gemstone for thousands of years – remaining popular even today! 

Today it is generally cut into beads or cabochons for jewelry. 

It has an impressive green color that you don’t have to worry about fading over time, even when exposed to light. 

Thanks to these properties, and the fact that it can easily be ground up into a fine powder, make it the preferred coloring agent and pigment for thousands of years. 

Malachite Ore

Contrary to popular belief, malachite is a minor ore that contains copper in the form of copper carbonate, or  Cu2(CO3)(OH)2. 

This is due to the bright green color of the stone and the presence of nearly all the copper deposits. The malachite works as an effective guide for the metal. 

Malachite Uses

Malachite is too beautiful to not be on display. Wearing it as jewelry or having it on display in your home is one of the best ways you can make the most of this stunning stone. 

Plus, they are both effective methods in helping you feel all the healing properties of the stone. This is especially true when placed in doorways since it can expel negative energies from the space and prevent more from entering. 

You can keep malachite on your desk to help spark creativity as well as keep it next to your bed to spark some creative energies. 

Keeping malachite on your skin is beneficial too, especially when worn as a necklace or other types of jewelry. This is because the vibrations of the stone can immediately interact with your body. 

Malachite Vs Emerald - Facts, Uses & More

What Is Emerald Stone?

Besides diamonds, emeralds are the most rare and valuable gemstones. In fact, they are generally known as romances and royalty’s crown jewels. 

The gemstone itself is best known for its deep green color, as well as its natural, unique inclusions. 

In the scientific community, an emerald is known as a natural beryl and its green color comes from trace elements of vanadium and chromium. 

When compared to other precious gemstones, emeralds are much softer. 

Origin And Science Of Emerald

The emerald is a green type of Beyl that crystallizes into masses and prismatic types of crystals. It was once called Smaragdus which translates in English to emerald – meaning green stone. 

It is believed that in the past, many green stones were mislabeled as Emeralds – this is mainly due to sharing a distinctive green color. 

One of the most beautiful crystals in the world comes from the gorgeous country of Columbia. 

Emeralds found in this area contain the purest Chromium/ Vanadium pigment inclusions that you can find – giving the stone its infamous deep green glow. 

They can be commonly found in Russia, Brazil, Egypt, Australia, and Africa. 

Emerald Uses

Emeralds are generally known for their role in some of the most beautiful jewelry in the world. You can find emeralds in necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings, pendants, and many other types of jewelry. 

That said, not all types of emeralds can be used in jewelry, as such, they make equally impressive displays in the home. 

When used or worn, many people believe that emeralds contain spiritual meaning. Some of these include nurturing the heart and being a gemstone that contains all-around healing properties when utilized. 

Plus, it is also sometimes referred to as a stone of love – making it pretty handy to keep close to you. 

Throughout history, the stone has been believed to bring good luck depending on what day it is worn in some cultures. In many instances and cultures, these beliefs carry on today. 

There are many different beliefs about what wearing the gemstone means, so much so that it can sometimes be confusing. 

Therefore, many people like to simply stick to the fact that wearing an emerald can catch the eye due to its beautiful and dazzling appearance. 

One thing is for sure… it is sure to make an impression! 

Final Thoughts

Malachite and emeralds are two incredibly similar gemstones, so much so that they can sometimes be confused for one another. 

This is mainly due to the fact that they share a dazzling green color. That said, emeralds are always the more expensive option. 

Hopefully, this guide has informed you on everything you need to know about malachite and emeralds so you can easily identify each gemstone for their unique features. 

Andrea Daehma