Malachite vs Chrysocolla: What Are They, And What’s The Difference?

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Gemstones, including malachite and chrysocolla, form naturally on earth but have to be treated and polished to bring out their color and clarity.

This beginner’s comparison guide will explore what you need to know about malachite and chrysocolla, including their distinct similarities and differences, areas you can find them, and their alleged metaphysical properties.

Malachite vs Chrysocolla: An Overview

In its natural form, malachite occurs above copper deposits deep in the earth.

That’s why they are predominantly found deep inside caves alongside minerals such as iron oxides, calcite, and azurite.

Malachite is soft in its natural state, so most collectors add extra protection and hardness by treating the gemstones with a layer of wax or resin.

One way to distinguish chrysocolla is its blue-green color with a dull luster resulting from the oxidation of copper ore.

In its natural state, it’s present in vein crusts, fillings, and round masses.

Distinct Malachite and Chrysocolla Similarities and Differences

A notable similarity between these stones is that they occur in small quantities in different copper mines worldwide, and they have translucent to opaque transparency.

Chrysocolla doesn’t come in visible crystals but in stalactitic groups that form pseudomorph after minerals like azurite.

On the other hand, malachite occurs as a bundle of long thin splinters.

Remember that the main reason why most people confuse the two minerals is that they both form in the oxidation zone of copper deposits.

Malachite and Chrysocolla Physical Properties

What makes malachite instantly recognizable is its green color that ranges from bright green to pastel green.

Chrysocolla’s notable characteristic is its sharp blue color, but it can still vary from a bright shade of green and blue when mixed with silica during its formation.

Malachite and chrysocolla are soft stones measuring 3.5- 4 and 2 – 4 respectively on the Mohs hardness scale.

Malachite is also sometimes confused with alexandrite, azurite, or even turquoise.

Insight on the Location of Malachite and Chrysocolla

Chrysocolla forms in copper deposits of the arid area of The Democratic Republic of Congo, specifically in Katanga and Kolwezi.

Ancient copper mines like the Mines of Eilat produce chrysocolla, whose composition includes different copper minerals and has earned the name “the Eilat Stone.”

In the western parts of Australia, particularly the whim Creek Copper Mine, Chrysocolla occurs in pseudomorphs after Azure.

The South America Chrysocolla is present in Chanaral Province in Chile and Pisco Umay and Lily Mine in Peru.

In the United States, Chrysocolla can occur in the Arizona copper mines.

Africa has the best Malachite deposit in D.R Congo, particularly in Kolwezi.

Areas such as Tsumeb and Emke Mine in Namibia also produced outstanding malachites that are pseudomorphs after Azurite.

Still, there are notable deposits of Malachite in Morocco in regions like the Kerrouchene and Touissit.

Australia is also popularly known for the best malachite in areas like the Flinders range, Batchelor, and the Run Jungle.

The Shilu Mines in Guangdong Province, China, also produces gorgeous malachite.

In France, malachite occurs in dodecahedral and octahedral crystals in the ancient Rhone-Alpes.

Brazilian malachite can be found in Seabra, Bahia, while in Mexico, the stone deposits are present in Sonora, Cananea, Milpillas Mine, Zacatecas and El Cobre.

Uses Of Malachite and Chrysocolla

One of the common uses of chrysocolla is that it can be crafted into cabochons and beads.

Traditionally, men would wear these stone beads as a sign of stature and the highest level of knowledge.

For years, malachite has been used as a paint pigment because of the ease of grinding into fine powder.

The bright malachite color and polished luster make it an excellent gemstone for making ornaments.

As jewelry, it looks gorgeous when paired with different hair colors and skin tones.

Malachite and chrysocolla are well-known among those who believe in the metaphysical effects of stones and crystals, and the beliefs are many.

When worn, the chrysocolla ornaments are thought to inspire wise counsel (teacher to student) or speaking lovingly to a friend.

For those who believe, chrysocolla can be a valuable asset for those in the public speaking profession.

Aspiring musicians could consider keeping chrysocolla because it’s also regarded as a charm for learning new instruments or playing music in public.

For the same reason, if you want to speak, sing, or chant a mantra, you may want to consider Gen Silica (an infusion of Quartz and Chrysocolla).

Another unique property of the malachite is that it’s associated with easing negative emotions.

This is why some prisoners, hermits, and monks wear it to try diminish the depression and anxiety that results from seclusion.  

People with wandering temperaments who hardly stay in a single location can also greatly benefit from malachite, because it is thought to help with stabilization and grounding.

Additionally, malachite is thought to also help ease emotional stress for accountants and people working in the computer industry and encourages inspiration among inventors and designers.

At home, malachite is said to ward off negative energies of challenging situations and relationships by offering stability and acceptance.

Possessing this stone is believed to encourage business success.

In the traditional Hindu culture, they believed that malachite could balance the heart chakra, helping you better deal with emotions.

So, having it at home is encouraged to help the entire family to have balanced emotions.

Chrysocolla green and blue hues give the stone the mineral the energy of vitality and planet.

Therefore, having this mineral is said to inspire or to add more vigor to professional pursuits.

Chrysocolla is also referred to as the stone of “earth-grounding.”

Practitioners use it to avoid losing touch with their conscious mind if used it during deep meditation and to offer strength during astral travel and vision quests.

Malachite and chrysocolla are associated with different healing properties.

Disclaimer: you should never substitute the information we provide in this section for medical help because the aim is for informational purposes only.

That said, always seek professional help before you can consider other alternative treatment options.

For a long time, people considered malachite a healing gemstone, which is why the stone was integrated into amulets during the ancient Romans, Greek and Egyptians to ward off evil spirits.

Children also wore malachite as protection from witchcraft and black magic in the middle ages.

This was an essential practice because a malachite would warn them of an impending evil spell by breaking into pieces.

Skin contact with any malachite ornament is thought to be associated with healing energies.

Malachite is also alleged to have health benefits like detoxifying the liver, improving blood circulation, restful sleep and alleviating menstruation.

Some think that chrysocolla has physical healing effects, including managing nervous disorders like hyperkinetic movements, feelings of guilt, depression and anxiety and nervous disorders.

Malachite is also a beneficial stone for pregnant women as it is believed to assist with menstrual pain and pregnancies.

It is also believed to help relieve stress for first-time mothers and regulate adrenals and thyroid.

Chrysocolla is said to be beneficial for people with lung problems, blood disorders, type 2 diabetes, blood sugar level and high blood pressure.

This stone also is said to ease digestion and helps with conditions like rheumatism, arthritis, hip and joint replacement.

In addition, it’s believed to strengthen an individual’s muscles by alleviating muscle cramps and managing fever and infections.

Final Thoughts

Malachite and chrysocolla are stones you should consider incorporating in your life for a multitude of reasons.

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