While malachite gemstones are renowned for their rich green color, there is also a gemstone known as red "malachite" that is just as loved for its warm terra cotta color. Green malachite has been valued since antiquity, especially in Egyptian culture as far back as 4000 BC for creating amulets and statues, lining pharaoh headdresses and even as pigment for makeup. Red "malachite" is actually a type of jasper with banding that closely resembles the banded patterns found in natural green malachite. Various forms of jasper were also loved by the Egyptians for use as amulets.
Since red "malachite" is banded jasper, healing and metaphysical properties are similar to other red varieties of jasper. Red is often considered a color of energy and courage, giving this gemstone an air of fiery encouragement. Banded jaspers are also well-known as grounding stones that help to center the individual wearer. These gemstones are also used to calm and sooth while encouraging inward reflection. Banded jaspers are associated with the Root Chakra and have a deep connection to nature.
Red "malachite" is a beautifully banded jasper that belongs to the chalcedony family. It is an opaque, impure silica that obtains its reddish coloring from iron levels. This gemstone comes in creamy reddish colors with varying brown and orange hues. Bands of creamy white encircle the stone, which can be cloudy or speckled.
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Red "malachite" is a soft stone that is only about a 3-1/2 on the Mohs hardness scale. You'll want to be careful with these stones as they can be gouged and scratched fairly easily by harder materials. For this reason, store red "malachite" away from other stones and metal settings. Use warm, soapy water to clean red "malachite" and dry with a soft cloth that is not impregnated with rouge or other materials. It is not recommended to use harsh chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, steam or boiling methods when cleaning red "malachite" gemstones.
To learn more about red "malachite" and other gemstones, order your copy of Walter Schumann's revised and expanded edition of Gemstones of the World.
Due to the softness of red "malachite," it's best to use this gemstone in jewelry designs that will hopefully not receive a lot of impact. Earrings and necklaces are safer than bracelets and rings that can end up being knocked on desks or other surfaces.
As far as actually designing with this beautiful gemstone, red "malachite" pairs perfectly with all metal tones. Since red "malachite" is actually a type of jasper, the stone works well with other varieties of jasper gemstones. To bring out and draw attention to fine white bands, pair with creamy gemstones like riverstone, calcite and cream quartz. If you have red "malachite" that is mostly creams with minimal red, bring out the red tones by pairing the gemstone with other reddish gems such as carnelian, garnet and red jasper. Red "malachite" is not a brilliant bright red, so it's easy to pair this gemstone with green-colored gemstones without appearing to be too Christmas-y. Since the red tones are similar in color to terra cotta, it's also not uncommon to see red "malachite" incorporated in Southwestern jewelry designs.
View more resources featuring red "malachite", including Design Ideas, Videos, Tutorials and more!
**Please note that all metaphysical or healing properties listed are collected from various sources. This information is offered as a service and not meant to treat medical conditions. Fire Mountain Gems and Beads® does not guarantee the validity of any of these statements.
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