Palatial Pair of Late 19th Century Gilt Bronze Mounted Malachite Candelabra

Finely casted gilt bronze and Rococo and foliate arms above a spiraled carved malachite body with bronze handles, supported on thick square bases.

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 and 19th centuries 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.