Electroformed Malachite and Azurite Cabochon Pendant with Gunmetal Chain

DETAILS

This stunning pendant would make the perfect addition to anyone’s jewelry collection.

It was created using an electroforming technique, and was hand stamped for a gorgeous, unique flair. It comes with your choice of chain length, in a gunmetal finish. If you would prefer a different chain color, please message me.

Each necklace comes with a short description of the stone it contains, as well as information on how to care for your copper jewelry.

All of my products are lead free and nickel free.

DIMENSIONS

Height – 75 mm (with rings)

Width – 18 mm (approximately)

ABOUT

Malachite

Malachite has been used as a gemstone and sculptural material for thousands of years and is still popular today. The stone has a green color that does not fade over time or when exposed to light. Those properties, along with its ability to be easily ground to a powder, made malachite a preferred pigment and coloring agent for thousands of years.

Malachite is a mineral that forms at shallow depths within the Earth, in the oxidizing zone above copper deposits. It precipitates from descending solutions in fractures, caverns, cavities, and the intergranular spaces of porous rock. It often forms within limestone where a subsurface chemical environment favorable for the formation of carbonate minerals can occur. Associated minerals include azurite, bornite, calcite, chalcopyrite, copper, cuprite, and a variety of iron oxides.

Some of the first malachite deposits to be exploited were located in Egypt and Israel. Over 4000 years ago, they were mined and used to produce copper. Material from these deposits was also used to produce gemstones, sculptures, and pigments. Much of the malachite entering the lapidary market today is from deposits in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Smaller amounts are produced in Australia, France, and Arizona.

Azurite

Azurite is a soft stone, named for its deep “azure blue” color. It is a copper carbonate mineral found in the upper oxidized portions of copper ore formed in masses, nodules, tabular or prismatic crystals, sometimes with a vitreous luster. The saturated color ranges from bright to deep blue into shades of indigo and may contain streaks of light blue. It has been ground into pigment for paint and used as a dye for fabric for thousands of years.

Azurite is often found in nature mixed with Malachite, another copper carbonate mineral, this one with a bright green color.

Azurite is found in many locations in the world. The most famous sources are the USA (Utah, Arizona and New Mexico), Mexico, Namibia, the Congo, Moroccoand Australia. At one time outstanding azurite specimens were found in Chessy near Lyon, France and French azurite was sometimes referred to as chessylite.

CARE AND CLEANING

As with all jewelry, avoid spraying with perfumes, or coming into direct contact with lotions or make-ups. Remove jewelry before bathing or swimming. If the necklace needs to be cleaned, gently wipe it off with a baby wipe and use a Q-tip for the small crevices. Allow to dry completely before wearing. If your jewelry tarnishes, clean it with some lemon juice and a toothbrush and dry with a paper towel.

Copper jewelry WILL change colors over time, also known as oxidation. I do not seal my copper jewelry, as some people feel that there are medicinal benefits to having copper touch their skin. I leave it up to the consumer to choose what’s best for them and their bodies. Occasionally, copper jewelry will turn your skin green.  It is not harmful to you, and washes off easily.