Malachite is a naturally occurring mineral from which copper is smelted. It has been in use for thousands of years, often being ground into a powder and used as a pigment in paint, although this powder has now been replaced with verditer, a synthetic substitute. The mineral itself and malachite paint effects can still be used with stunning results.
It had its heyday, especially in Russia, during the 18th & 19 centuries when it was used in decorative objects and again in the Art Deco era when it was regularly used in jewellery.
Used across a large expanse such as in the bathroom pictured below, it creates a bold, dramatic effect. If you don’t feel that adventurous, you can use it in small quantities as done in the images of the bathroom taps, wall tiles and printed chair upholstery, curtains and cushions.
