Malachite

Basic Knowledge

Malachite is a famous and very popular semi-precious stone. It is named for the Greek word for "mallow", a green herb. Its banded light and dark green designs are one-of-a-kind, and give it a unique ornamental quality unlike that of any other stone. The light and dark green bands are so distinctive that malachite maybe one of the most easily recognized minerals by the general public. A popular design of ceramic ware which imitates this banding is named after the mineral malachite. It forms the banding from subtle changes in the oxidation states of the surrounding pore waters, but the exact mechanism is still not well understood.

Tumbled stones of malachite are possibly the most popular tumbled stones ever and are sold in litterally every rock shop around the world. Carvings and figurines of malachite are almost as common. A skilled craftsman can make the concentric malachite bands follow the curves of a work of art like contours on a rugged terrain. Although malachite art is not as precious as jade; it is hard to argue that it is less beautiful.

Malachite often results from weathering of copper ores and is often found together with azurite (Cu₃(CO₃)₂(OH)₂), goethite, and calcite. Except for the iridescent green colour, the properties of malachite are very similar to those of azurite and aggregates of the two minerals together are frequently found, although malachite is more common than azurite. Typically associated with copper deposits associated with limestones, the source of the carbonate.

It was used as a mineral pigment in green paints from antiquity until about 1800. The pigment is moderately lightfast, very sensitive to acids and varying in colour. The natural form was being replaced by its synthetic form, verditer amongst other synthetic greens. It is also used for decorative purposes, such as in the Malachite Room in the Hermitage which features a huge malachite vase.

 

Bardic Knowledge

DC	Things Known
10 -Common	Used as a mineral pigment in green paints
20-Uncommon	Its powers include: protection, power, peace, love, and success in business. It is worn to detect impending danger, and is assumed to break into pieces when danger is near. It is the guardian stone of travelers. Promotes inner peace and hope, provides protection and security.
30-Obscure	Madriel Clerics often use containters made from Malachite to hold pieces of Titan's body Moromo when they are found. The malachite is blessed and helps to protect the pieces from the divination magic of titan-spawn such as the Gorgons and Asaatthi.
40-Very Obscure	Since his early days Telos Asuras of Shelzar has had a small amulet made from Malachite with Enkili's symbol carved into it, which he wears all of the time.

Rare Uses and Items

The Malachite Scry Bowl of Calastia

In the Scarred Lands, few know the extent and power of Queen Geleeda's Sorceress abilities, even King Virduk is at a disadvantage in these areas. Queen Geleeda however is not foolish enough to believe that this obscure knowledge is safe, or that her other, even more damning, secrets will be unknown forever.

When Geleeda learned of the existence of the Malachite Scry Bowl, she spared little expense is procuring the object for her own collection of magical items. She also spared little expense in hiring Lianca to kill the adventurer who procured it for her.

 

Powers

The Malachite Scry Bowl has two main properties, brought out by the liquids used to fill the bowl. If water is used, the bowl shows the person who is the greatest threat to the scryer. A DC 25 is needed to use the bowl in this way. The bowl shows the person (or creature), where he is located, and what the threat this person represents. This could be a vision of the scryer's death, or the loss of some object or loved one.

A very obscure power of the bowl is revealed when blood is used instead of water. Used in this fashion with a DC 25 scry, the bowl reveals the most devastating secret or deepest fear of the same person revealed by the use of water.

 

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