Jade and malachite are both sought-after green stones, which can look very similar. However, with a little effort, you should be able to distinguish them. It is important that you do because they each have different metaphysical properties and need to be cared for differently. As a result, choosing between the two can be a difficult decision.
Malachite can only be vibrant green, opaque, with dark banding. Different types of jade each have different colors, and can be patternless and (semi-)translucent. Green jade is not as vibrant as malachite. Each stone has different metaphysical properties.
If want to know more about the exact differences in (meta)physical properties, make sure to keep on reading.
Also Read: Jade vs. Jadeite – What’s The Difference?
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Composition
The difference in the composition of jade and malachite is seen in their distinctive features. Both stones are entirely different in their mineral composition. Jade has two varieties (nephrite and jadeite) that belong to a more prominent family of silicates.
Nephrite jade contains calcium and magnesium silicate in its chemical composition, while the jadeite variety contains sodium and aluminum silicate. Malachite, on the other hand, belongs to a family of carbonates. Malachite contains copper carbonate hydroxide in its chemical composition.
Also Read: Jade vs. Emerald – What’s The Difference?
Color
Green jade and malachite are gems to fall in love with and are at the top of the list for collectors enamored with green gemstones and crystals. However, their similar colors can be confusing. A deeper look will help you to tell them apart.
Malachite displays an intense green color, while jade will have an olive or pastel green color.
Jade also offers a variety of colors besides green. Beware that jades can be heat-treated or bleached to improve their appearance.
Pattern and Clarity
A stone’s pattern and clarity are elements to keep in mind when trying to determine the difference between stones.
Malachite displays patterns on its surface and has a silky luster. Jade may have imperfections like brown lines within the stone and has a glossy polish shine.
Malachite has dominant dark green banding formations in circular patterns, while jade can be patternless. Even if it does have a pattern, it isn’t as distinct as a malachite’s.
A jade stone is smooth and less texturized in design than a malachite stone. A good quality jade is semi-translucent, which adds to the market value of the stone. Malachite is a naturally opaque stone.
Also Read: Jade vs. Serpentine – What’s The Difference?
Hardness
Hardness is another way to differentiate these two stones. Both jade varieties rank higher on the Mohs scale than malachite. Malachite scores 4 while jade scores 7, meaning that malachite is a softer stone quite susceptible to breakage and scratches compared to jade. Based on hardness, jade is said to be a more resistant stone compared to malachite.
Care
Both stones should be cleaned and taken care of to preserve their quality and last longer. Jades, like many stones, will need mild detergent, warm water, and a soft brush for cleaning. Alternatively, jades can be cleaned using mechanical systems like steam cleaners. These cleaning systems are, however, not recommended if your jade has fractures. A jade stone is naturally porous and acid treatments and harsh chemicals will destroy this stone.
With malachite being a softer stone, it can be sensitive to water and heat. Stones that score below five on the Mohs scale can be damaged by contact with water. In this case, malachite’s contact with water will damage the stone’s surface and will turn the water toxic, based on its chemical composition.
Also Read: Can Malachite Go In Water?”
Malachite contains copper in its composition, which releases toxic elements into the water. Malachite jewelry should be stored in a box lined with a soft material and away from sharp crystals. Due to susceptibility to breakages, malachite stones should be placed where they cannot fall.
How To Cleanse and Charge Malachite and Jade
Stones and crystals require cleansing and recharging to restore their nature.
Malachite and jade can be cleansed and recharged using sound healing baths, or by use of geode crystals like clear quartz or selenite. Other options are by burying the stone in the earth to connect and increase mother nature’s energies within the stone, or by placing the stone under sunlight or moonlight for a few hours. Do not overexpose a malachite stone to sunlight to prevent fading the stone.
An alternative method for jade is to let it sit in water for a few minutes or place the stone under cold running water for some minutes.
If you place malachite outside or bury it in the ground, make sure to do this on a day that it is not raining, to ensure the stone is not damaged.
Also, make sure to avoid salt on malachite, and preferably also jade, to make sure that the surface is not damaged.
Also Read: White Jade vs. Green Jade – What’s The Difference?
Location
The most valuable type of jade, Imperial Jade, comes from the Myanmar region. The nephrite jade is more readily available. The most significant areas are Guatemala, Russia, and New Zealand.
Most of the Malachite comes from the Ural Mountains of Russia. Other malachite deposits can be found in Australia and African countries like Zambia and Congo.
Jade vs. Malachite – Metaphysical properties
Jade and malachite don’t just look similar, they have similar metaphysical properties too. However, there are some differences too. They are different stones, after all.
Healing Properties
Green is a color that represents nature and rebirth. Green stones calming spirit is perceived to be closely linked to their healing properties.
Jade is a stone for stability and tranquillity. The energies of these stones can give you peace through emotional turmoil. Jade is also helpful with stomach and kidney-related illnesses.
Malachite is commonly known as a protective gem. It is a stone believed to dispel negative energies and influences. The stone protects the wearers’ energy and keeps them away from harm. Using malachite encourages open-mindedness and increased emotional and mental power. Malachite is used for blood pressure, dyslexia, and liver-related treatments.
Also Read: The Complete Guide To Wearing Malachite
Chakra Association
Stones and crystals help us balance chakras in the body using energies and colors. It is believed that stones that align with your need will naturally attract you, because their energy attracts you. We have 7 energy centers in our body, which each correspond with a crystal/gem color. The main chakras are as follows.
- Root Chakra (Muladhara) – relation to will and stability. The associated color is black/red.
- Sacral Chakra (Svadihsthana/ spleen) – relation to feelings and intuition. The associated color is orange.
- Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura) – relation to personal power and intellect. The associated color is yellow.
- Heart Chakra (Anahata) – relation to emotional balance and healing, love. The associated color is pink/green.
- Throat Chakra(Vishuddha) – relation to communication and self-expression. The associated color is blue.
- Third Eye Chakra(Ajna) – relation to psychic power and spiritual consciousness. The associated color is indigo.
- Crown Chakra (Sahasrara) – Relation to liberation, and divinity. The associated color is violet.
Green stones are closely related to the heart chakra, which means both jade and malachite are used to unblock this energy center. Malachite is also useful for the third eye chakra, the solar plexus chakra, and for activating other chakras.
Zodiac Birthstone and Planetary Rulers
There is a stone assigned to each zodiac from ancient times to date, with many different cultures having different zodiac and crystal associations. Jade is a mystical (Tibetan) birthstone for people born in March, associating it with the zodiac signs of Aries and Pisces born in that month. Malachite, however, isn’t a birthstone.
Every gemstone also has a planetary ruler, from which it gets its characteristics. Mercury is the ruler over jade, the world associated with intelligence. Mercury is also the ruler over Virgo and Gemini.
On the other hand, Malachites are associated with Venus, the planet of desire and pleasure, and Jupiter, the world of knowledge and intellect. Venus also rules Taurus and Libra, whereas Jupiter rules Sagittarius.
Elements
The concept of elements to explain (human) nature has been used for centuries in both Eastern and Western cultures. In the west, the idea was developed by the Greeks and refined by well-known philosophers Plato and Aristotle. They eventually settled on four elements: earth, air, fire, and water. In the east, a fifth element was added: Akasha. This element represents the foundation of the other four. Depending on a crystal’s properties, we can associate different crystals with them.
- Earth
Earth is the realm of growth and prosperity. Earth crystals attract wealth and stabilize energies.
- Water
Water is related to our emotions and feelings. Water crystals bring healing and possess potent purification powers.
- Air
The element of intuition and imagination, as well as the mind and communication.
- Fire
The transformation element of nature. Crystals of the fire element are used for aura protection as well as passion and action.
- Akasha
Akasha is the binding element of the significant aspects of nature. Stones of the Akasha elements unlock memories of the past.
Both jade and malachite are strong earth stones.
Numerical Vibration
Crystals are in harmony with specific numerical vibrations. Jade is the second-highest in vibration after watermelon tourmaline. Jade vibrates at 11, which aligns with abundance and prosperity frequencies, while Malachite vibrates at 9. The higher the vibration frequency of a gemstone, the quicker and easier it is to communicate with the stone.
Amulets and Talismans
Jade, as a talisman, is believed to bring luck and wealth to its wearer. Green jade is also closely related to fertility and was thought to aid pregnant women in giving birth to healthy children. Jade talismans do not need activation to serve their wearer if chosen carefully.
Malachite in the past was attached to a baby’s cradles to keep evil spirits away.
In Italy, malachite amulets are worn to protect the owner from evil eyes. The stone was believed to have the power to do this because the swirls on the rocks resemble eyes.
Malachite is also a guardian talisman. Its opaque nature is believed to hide its inner power. In the physical world, this stone can be used to protect possessions and loved ones.
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