Celebrating Majestic Malachite
If you have never experienced Bvlgari’s Le Gemme fragrance collection, it is worth a visit to Holt Renfrew. This is the ultra-premium collection of scents is inspired by gemstones used by the Roman jeweler’s top craftsmen and women in Italy. The master perfumers are given “cart blanche” to use the most expensive ingredients in the world to blend truly exquisite scents that don’t smell like anything else on the market. Think of them as olfactive gems.
One of our favourite Le Gemme fragrances is called Malakeos, a sophisticated aromatic-fougere for him with a fresh, uplifting personality. It was inspired by the malachite gemstone.
For centuries, gemstone surveyors and miners have scoured the vast Ural forests in Russia in search of majestic malachite. It’s precious stone synonymous with grandiose opulence and imperial prestige. While it is also found in the Congo, Gabon, Zambia, Namibia, Mexico and Australia, the Ural forests are where the largest deposits were first discovered.
The name ‘malachite’ is thought come from the Greek word ‘molochitus’, a nod to the mallow leaf which is a similar vibrant emerald colour. Ancient Greeks carved malachite into amulets and jewelry. In ancient Rome, it was referred to as the “peacock stone’, associated with the queen of the gods, Juno. It’s characteristic bright green hue often boasts a light green or even black vein running through the stone. It’s actually a copper carbonate hydroxide mineral and presence of malachite is an excellent surface indicator for copper exploration.
The ancient stone has been used by humans since antiquity and was believed to protect one from evil. In ancient Egypt, the colour green of malachite represented fertility and new life. They would grind up the stone to make paint pigments and eyeshadow.
If you visit the Winter Palace in Russia, you’ll notice malachite is an important stone in Russian architecture. Towering columns of malachite support St. Isaac’s Cathedral in St. Petersburg. Today, the gemstone symbolizes abundance, transformation and spiritual wisdom.
Crafted in 2016, by Master Perfumer Jacques Cavallier, this ultra-prestige fragrance features the highest-quality ingredients in the world. The scent opens with the refreshing aroma of crisp mint from Brazil that is perfectly balanced with soothing lavender. A second hit of peppermint adds energy while cardamom and geranium add a little spice. Gentle musk, oakmoss and smooth guaiac wood create a beautiful drydown.
Fragrance notes: Mint from Brazil, lavender, peppermint, cardamom from Guatemala, geranium, gentle musk, oakmoss accord and guaiac wood.
Crafted in Italy.
You’ll notice that Bvlgari has incorporated malachite into the pyramid-domed cap, a rich green with black veins running through it. It’s a gorgeous fragrance that is guaranteed to inspire and energize you.
Bvlgari Le Gemme Malakeos Eau de Parfum is available exclusively in Canada at Holt Renfrew stores and holtrenfrew.com
Linda L
February 17, 2022 at 5:24 pmI’ve always loved luxurious malachite especially because of its green colour and beautiful veins that run through it. No doubt the green mint, peppermint and cardamon make this fragrance refreshing and luxurious.
Elizabeth Vlug
February 15, 2022 at 11:47 amSounds lovely. And that bottle is swoon worthy. Love it!
September Dee
February 15, 2022 at 10:27 amThe fresh, uplifting and clean notes will be appreciated by the guys out there. Sounds perfect.
Nandy Palmer
February 15, 2022 at 8:48 amI was gifted a malachite horse from Russia. It is absolutely beautiful. The bottle cap on the is is lovely. @NandyPalmer
Anna Roszak Robinson
February 15, 2022 at 7:15 amSounds beautiful
Angela Citrigno
February 14, 2022 at 10:04 amI’ve never heard of malachite gem stone. It’s gorgeous and has some of my favourite gem stone colours. The one photo looks like a piece of art. Thank you Scentlodge was widening my knowledge when it comes to fragrances. I love hearing about all the exquisite and exotic fragrance notes. @959angela