AZURITE, MALACHITE & CHRYSOCOLLA

These three stones are members of a close-knit family. Dark blue Azurite and light to dark green Malachite are like fraternal twin brothers. Both are basic copper carbonate, having the same chemical composition except for one oxygen molecule. Like fraternal twins, they are closely related but different in personality and appearance. Azurite, when in the earth, can slowly change to malachite, so it is rare to find Azurite without Malachite being present. Stones containing both minerals are often called Azurmalachite. Chrysocolla, a light green/sky blue stone, is a sister to these brothers, being a copper silicate and often occurring in the same stone with them. Turquoise, a copper aluminum phosphate, is a cousin to these three and can frequently be found in the same copper deposit locations.

Most Zuni fetishes which are labeled Azurite or Chrysocolla are usually a combination of A/M/C and other minerals such as quartz and various matrix stones. The resulting brilliant color and pattern combinations in these fetishes make them very popular with collectors. Most Zuni fetish carvers have infrequently used A/M/C as a carving material, but it is found most commonly in the work of the Boone, Sheche, Gasper, and Quandelacy families, Emery Eriacho, Lloyd and Al Lasiloo, the Yuselew/Epaloose brothers, Ricky Laahty, Jeff Tsalabutie, and Gibbs Othole.

Metaphysically, the combination of Azurite/Malachite/Chrysocolla is a transformational and regenerative stone, helping the user to balance one’s emotions and to feel more comfortable with all aspects of the self during times of great change. It enhances a person’s feelings of brotherhood and love, helping one to demonstrate compassion and right-mindedness. What follows is a more detailed explanation of these three stones on an individual basis.

AZURITE

Azurite, with a MOH’s hardness of 3.5 - 4, is a basic copper carbonate named after its azure or deep-blue color. It is formed and found near copper ore deposits and has a long history of being ground up and used for azure-colored pigment. This stone may be confused by the amateur lapidarian with sodalite or lapis lazuli. Found mainly in North Africa, Australia, South America, Mexico, Russia, and the southwestern USA (Arizona and New Mexico), Azurite has long been known as a “stone of heaven” and was used in many ancient cultures to help contact divine consciousness. Native Americans considered it a sacred stone and used its help to journey with their spirit guides. Few Zuni fetishes will be found that are carved from pure Azurite, and those will be quite small with usually at least one or more spots of matrix/or other copper bearing mineral visible on the carving’s surface. Sometimes Azurite is found together with cuprite, a red oxide of copper which has a very deep red to black red color. The resulting fetish carved from this combination has striking patterns of deep azure blue intermingled with dark brick red. Cuprite, in the earth, can alter to form malachite under the right conditions.

Metaphysically, Azurite is reputed to be the stone which can help to open the “third eye” and aid in developing astral travel. It is a gentle and all knowing teacher, which has a cleansing and purifying effect on body and mind. It is connected with the highest wisdom and can help to gain insight into issues of importance in one’s life. Since Azurite can be used to cut through illusion to find the truth, it can be a powerful catalyst for transformation.

MALACHITE

Malachite, with a MOH’s hardness of 3.5 to 4, is a copper carbonate which shows patterns of bright green to dark or blackish green with agate-like banding, layers of concentric rings, straight stripes, or other figurative shapes. So distinctive in its color patterns, this stone is rarely mistaken for any other green stone. It is sensitive to heat, acids, and ammonia, so no Windex please when cleaning fetishes carved from Malachite. It is formed near copper ore deposits in the same areas worldwide listed earlier for Azurite. Mankind has had a love affair with Malachite down through the ages. There are many legends in various different cultures which extol its mysterious and wonderful properties. The most universal attributes given to Malachite are protection from the “evil eye” and a cure for most all physical diseases. As early as 3000 B.C in Egypt, it was used for amulets, jewelry, and powder for eye shadow. One Russian legend states that anyone who drinks from a goblet carved from Malachite will be given the power to understand the language of all animals. This well known stone has been used with some irregularity by many different Zuni carvers, due to the health problems associated with inhaling the copper dust produced in the cutting and grinding process. Keeping the stone wet while working it, either with an automatic continuous water drip or by hand dipping in water, prevents dangerous dust inhalation problems for the carver. Malachite is a trademark stone for a few carvers, notably Jimmy Yawakia and Melissa Quam. A large Stewart Quandelacy medicine bear with the Malachite bands displayed to advantage is a striking fetish carving. Metaphysically, Malachite is seen as the supreme helper in the cure for many diseases and ailments, aiding in the revitalization of the entire being and the regeneration of diseased tissue. It is a strongly physical stone in contrast to Azurite which is seen as a helper in the spiritual realm. A good protective companion for the traveler or person who is often in dangerous physical situations, Malachite’s powerful energy can also act as a mirror of the soul and reflect the true character of the person wearing it.

CHRYSOCOLLA

Chrysocolla, with a MOH’s hardness of 2 to 4, is a copper silicate which can vary in color from shades of sky blue to blue-green, to being intergrown with quartz and having areas of brown and black when impurities are present. When seen with an inexperienced eye, this stone can be confused with turquoise, azurite/malachite, and variscite. Formed in the oxidation zone of copper deposits, Chrysocolla is a very brittle mineral mined in many of the western states (AZ, NM, CA,WA, NV, ID, UT, MT, CO) of the USA. It is also found worldwide in many of the same locations where Azurite and Malachite are present. Chrysocolla in combination with turquoise and malachite is called “Eliat Stone” and occurs in the area of Israel fabled to be the location of King Soloman’s Mines. The more translucent and rarer form of Chrysocolla is known as Gem Silica. Ancient history and folklore claimed that this stone helped women who were suffering from female problems and also gave musicians more creativity when used as an amulet. Metaphysically, Chrysocolla has very feminine energies and is known as the “woman’s friend.” It is a stone of peace and harmony, helping to purify the home environment and eliminate negativity from within a person. Chrysocolla can help inspire creativity, personal power, joy and serenity. It also can serve as a bridge between the physical and spiritual realms, connecting us with the spirits of nature and our own inner laws. Without this harmony between ourselves and nature, we cannot feel happy and lose a large part of true being. A more concise description of Chrysocolla’s helpful energies would be “gentle peace and reintegration,” a feeling that everything is as it should be.

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