Malachite with Dolomite

Malachite is one of the oldest known green pigments to be used in paintings. It can easily be ground into a soft powder due to its low Mohs score, mixes easily with vehicles (water, oil, etc.), and retains its color when exposed to light overtime (unlike amethyst). The pigment is also known as Olympian green. This pigment is found in the paintings of Egyptian tombs and in paintings produced throughout Europe during the 15th and 16th centuries. Declined significantly during the 17th century when alternative green colors were developed.

In this specimen, bright and dark whorls of verdant Malachite build atop one another to create a visually arresting showcase piece. Sprinkled upon the Malachite are small, white growths of Dolomite crystals, similar to the first snowfall of winter. The depth created by the contrasting greens and white draw the viewer deeper into the mesmerizing patterns of the Malachite, beckoning you to get lost within it.