Late 19th Century Gilt Bronze and Giltwood Empire Style Malachite Lamp Table

Beautiful malachite top above gilt bronze ram head mounts, giltwood stretcher joins the bronze legs.

Malachite is a semi-precious stone and also a valuable copper ore, hydrous copper carbonate. It is a beautiful green earth stone with irregular black banding. It is easily recognized by its color, green streak, and silky or velvety luster. It was used to make beautiful jewelry and to adorn only the finest pieces of furniture. In the 18th-19th century malachite was popular with Russian Czars and Nobility. They often used it to decorate their palaces and own personal furnishings. The Hermitage Museum has one of the biggest and best displays of Malachite pieces in the world.