I wish I knew what their weird obsession with malachite was about. It came up again today in the text exchange about Alex being the weak link. I mean, I know malachite has supposed protective qualities according to those who believe in that stuff, but so does just about any other pretty rock you can shove in a tumbler and sell at a new age shop. Hematite is probably more common for the purpose, as is amethyst, and cheaper.
Not saying there's anything to it, or dissing those who believe there is something to it, I've just always liked rocks, and malachite, while pretty, is less common than some others out there for them to be so fixated on.
MOO