malachite and diamond necklace

Malachite, Diamond and 14k Gold Necklace

Length: just under 17" ( falls shorter due to larger diameter bead)

Diameter: 8-9mm

This vivid green gem gets its color from copper. Malachite may have been mined in Egypt as early as 4,000 BCE. Not only was it used as a gemstone and ornamental material, the stone was ground into pigments for painting and cosmetics. Not until the Industrial Revolution were synthetic pigments created that could rival its color. Restoration experts still use malachite pigment formulas for authenticity when conserving old paintings.

Hardness: 3.5-4.5