Malachite Designer Cut Cabochon, Designer Cabochons

This Beautiful Banded Malachite cabochon has great tight distinct bands cut into a unique sweeping shape. I've given it a medium low dome, girdled sides and a flat slightly beveled back. This one-of-a-kind green treasure is ready to be set in your next creation.

Malachite Designer Cut Cabochon
34.7 x 25 x 5.7mm
54.15 cts.

I cut this cab by hand and it's been highly polished both front and back with slightly rounded bottom edges for easy setting.

Note that all my photos were taken using full spectrum lighting, which does fairly well in replicating natural sunlight. However, almost all cut stones will look best and brightest in direct sunlight.

Malachite is named for the Greek word for "mallow", a green herb. The light and dark green banded designs are one-of-a-kind, and give it a unique unlike any other stone. The banding is formed from subtle changes in the oxidation states of the surrounding pore waters.

Malachite was considered an appropriate talisman for children. Evil spirits were kept at bay and babies slept soundly if a malachite were attached to the side of the infants cradle. Germans believed that the malachite would protect them against falling; it was thought to warn the wearer of impending disaster by cracking into several pieces prior to the incident. Because of the swirling patterns inherent in the stone, malachite was also popular in Italy as protection against the Evil Eye.

The Egyptians used malachite as early as 4000 B.C. for amulets, jewelry and cosmetics (powdered eye shadow.) - During the Middle Ages, malachite was worn for proteciton from sorcery and black magic.