Malachite Magic: Enhancing Beltane with the Stone of Transformation

Malachite, a copper carbonate hydroxide mineral, forms in deep underground spaces and rock fractures where hydrothermal fluids and water tables allow precipitation. It’s typically found in the company of copper deposits around limestone. Archaeologists estimate early mining activities to extract malachite date back almost 4,000 years.

This article looks at how you can use malachite during Beltane. Before we start, though, I want to share a word of caution.

Because malachite is a relatively hard stone, handling and wearing polished and tumbled crystals are totally safe. Raw and rough stones, however, must be treated with extreme care.

Malachite can contain up to 70% copper oxide, a toxic compound. Breathing in malachite dust is dangerous, so never grind stones down to powders, and definitely don’t make elixirs, tinctures, or anything else to be taken internally. Also, avoid placing raw and rough stones on the skin or in poultices. Moisture on the skin can cause toxin absorption.

Physical Healing Properties

While we can’t use malachite in any natural medicine preparation, it can be used topically to treat various conditions. As a precaution, even when using polished and tumbled stones, don’t get them wet. Even perspiration can cause small traces of toxin to be absorbed if the crystals are in contact with the skin for long enough.

That doesn’t mean you can’t wear malachite for healing. It’s about being cautious. If you’re concerned, wrap the crystal in a small piece of natural cloth or a small pouch. It won’t affect its healing properties at all.

Malachite has been linked to female sexual health and reproduction for thousands of years. So much so that it’s been called the “midwife’s stone.” Keeping malachite close by is said to relieve pelvic cramping, ease labor and childbirth, soothe menstrual issues and heal gynecological problems. It’s also recommended for women struggling with sexual intimacy, particularly if their problems stem from past traumatic experiences.

Heart and blood health has been associated with malachite too. Wearing it close to the heart is said to improve its strength and health and lower blood pressure. Simultaneously, malachite encourages the formation of hemoglobin and red blood cells. Improved oxygen in the bloodstream not only benefits the cardiac system but the body in general.

Keep stones close during fasting and cleansing rituals. The presence of malachite stimulates detoxification, and it can aid the liver in expelling contaminants from the body. The gastrointestinal tract is believed to benefit from malachite as well, and healers have used it for centuries to treat digestive disorders.

Likewise, healers use malachite for the following conditions:

Emotional and Spiritual Healing

Spiritually, the color green has always been related to healing. Green is the color of Archangel Raphael, the angel of healing. Several goddesses of fertility, creation, life, death, agriculture, and nature are allied with green, including Artemis, Demeter, Hathor, Isis, and Persephone.

Apart from protection, malachite is predominantly a stone for transformation. Bands and whorls appear in various shades of green, making each stone unique and offering layers of healing energy. The swirling green hues of malachite make it perfect for spiritual and energy healing.

Malachite is renowned for going to the heart of all matters. This makes it excellent for healing unresolved traumas that are holding you back. The stone brings past pain to the surface, allowing you to face and work through them to ultimately let them go. Healing with malachite can help you recognize recurring pain so you can move beyond it and grow emotionally and mentally. Patterns that repeat in our lives will continue to do so until we’ve learned the lesson they bring.

Many people who experience social and relationship problems don’t realize that they attract negativity into their lives. Of course, it’s not intentional, which adds to their suffering. The more toxic encounters they have, the more confused they become. Malachite clears the fog of confusion and helps uncover victim-thinking. It helps overcome the fear of confrontation or self-expression and exposes the innate power we all have within to take up our rightful place in the world.

The energy of the heart chakra resonates most strongly with malachite. However, it can also be used with the throat and solar plexus chakras, especially when working with self-esteem, self-confidence, and honest self-expression.

Work with malachite in matters of self-will and willpower as well, whether it’s to stick to your intentions and goals in your personal life and career or resist temptation.

Malachite in Magick

In magick, malachite can be used to protect against negative energies and create impenetrable shields of protection around yourself, your loved ones, home, office, or anywhere else.

Dreamwork is enhanced by malachite as it makes dreams more vivid and memorable. You can use dreamwork and malachite to unveil past trauma, but be aware that it can cause temporary mood swings until the issues are more evident.

While malachite doesn’t attract wealth, it can be used to keep it. Keep a stone in your purse or wallet, and if you have a stack of notes, fold them around a malachite crystal.

Psychic visions, scrying, and other forms of divination are strengthened with malachite.

This green stone attracts anything to do with nature and the earth, especially in the spring and summer months. Use it for any goddess, nature, or earth magick.

In Lore and History

Luckily today, we know some of the ancient uses of malachite aren’t such a great idea, while others sound quite reputable.

For example, ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans used finely powdered malachite mixed with oil as eye shadow. And it was used as a mineral pigment in paints from ancient times to the 1800s when it was discovered to be the cause of copper toxicity that results in high levels of copper in the bloodstream.

In the Middle Ages, malachite was worn as a talisman for protection against the evil eye. Certain stones have patterns that resemble an eye, and these were specifically sought out for this purpose. Back then, people believed that malachite would splinter into pieces as a warning if a threat were close by. During the same period, malachite carved with an emblem of the sun was believed to cure anxiety and depression.

In ancient Egypt, the color green was associated with death, resurrection, fertility, and new life. There was a field where life continued as on earth, but free of pain and suffering in the afterlife. This field was known as the “Field of Malachite.”

Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, and Russians, into more modern times, used malachite extensively as a symbol of opulence. Ornaments, jewelry, baths, paneling, and intricate mosaics were crafted from the stone.

Traders in the ancient world commonly carried malachite for protection and to help make negotiations and trade profitable.

In 16th and 17th century Europe, malachite was used to protect children against disease.

Malachite charms and pouches were worn around the neck or pinned to clothing. Babies were also protected with malachite. It was believed that malachite placed in the cradle prevented restlessness and allowed babies to sleep peacefully.

Alpine villages had a tradition of gifting pregnant women with a malachite cross for protection, a safe pregnancy, and good luck.