Rock crystal's name is derived from the Greek word 'krustallos' meaning 'ice,' because the Greeks, finding it in caves near Mount Olympus, believed it to be water which had been permanently frozen by the gods.
The finest rock crystal is from the Hot Springs area of Arkansas. It is also sourced in Cumberland, Switzerland, Brazil and Madagascar. Some of the largest individual crystals of quartz have been found in Brazil.
Malachite is an opaque, green banded mineral. It is believed to be a strong protector of children. It protects the wearer from accidents and protects travellers. Malachite has been used to aid success in business and protect against undesirable business associations. It is a stone of balance in relationships.
Malachite is always green, usually in banded tones varying from very dark green to a mellow green. Malachite has been mined in large quantities from the Urals in Russia, in Africa (Congo, Gabon, Zambia, Namibia), Mexico, Australia, Israel, Lyon in France and Arizona in the United States.
Ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans used malachite for jewellery and ground it to use as eye shadow. It is used in amulets to protect against the evil eye. In the Middle Ages it was used to protect children from witches and other dangers.