malachite

Malachite is a copper carbonate with a bright green color and dark green banding. Usually found near copper deposits, it is formed through the combination of carbonated water, limestone and copper. Famous malachite mines in the Ural Mountains of Russia once produced 20-ton blocks of the stone, while today it is primarily mined in Africa.

Malachite was used extensively as decoration in the palaces of Russian Czars and forms the columns of St. Isaac’s Cathedral in St. Petersburg, Russia.

Africa

Natural

Malachite & Bronzite is a composite made by fusing stone fragments using heat, pressure and a stabilizing agent or resin. The stone fragments remain clearly visible, creating fascinating patterns. Composite beads may also be called "mosaic beads" because of the visible fragments. The stone used to create composite beads is usually the remnants from cutting, making them a great way to incorporate up-cycled elements in designs.

China

Composite