Malachite is a beautiful green copper mineral found all over the world. Malachite is a copper ore found in the earth above copper-containing quartz veins. Gemstone malachite is actually mined from naturally occurring stalactites inside of mine shafts. The stalactites give malachite its distinctive look of many different shades of green concentric circles. Malachite is a relatively soft mineral but can be polished to a high gloss and can be used to make unique jewelry pieces. When the deep green shades of this copper-bearing mineral are paired with gold, the contrast is impressive.

If you recently purchased a gold malachite ring and have been wondering how to safely care for it, then here are some tips:

Tip: Don't Wear Malachite Jewelry When Cleaning or Exercising

Malachite has many natural enemies that can break it, scratch it, dissolve it, and otherwise damage it. For this reason, it's important you avoid wearing your new malachite ring when you are cleaning, exercising, or gardening where it can be scratched or broken.

When it comes to malachite gemstones, it is vital to always keep them from coming into contact with hot water, heat, acid, ammonia, and bleach. In addition, malachite should never be cleaned with toothpaste, baking soda, or any other abrasive.

To keep your new malachite ring safe, it is best to only wear it during those times you won't be likely to damage it, such as when you are going to the office or out to dinner. 

Tip: Clean Gold Malachite Rings With a Sonic Cleaner or a Soft Cloth

There are two different ways you can safely clean jewelry containing natural malachite:

1. Soak it in a sonic jewelry cleaning machine
2. Wash it with a mild detergent and cotton cloth

Simply scrubbing malachite jewelry with a hard toothbrush will scratch its surface. It really does need gentle handling.

The best thing you can do is prevent it from getting dirty. If jewelry containing malachite does need cleaning, then wash it in cold water with a mild detergent and dry it with a clean cotton cloth.

Tip: Keep a Gold Malachite Ring Safely Stored in a Jewelry Box

Jewelry made with malachite can be irreversibly damaged if it bangs around loose in your jewelry box. Nearly all of the other metals and gemstones found in your jewelry box are harder than malachite and can damage it. To prevent inadvertent damage to your new ring, store it inside a small protective jewelry box before putting it away.

Contact a local jewelry store, such as Kiera, to learn more.