At 12.90 carats this malachite falls in a handy middle size: large enough to show its banding, small enough to sit neatly in a pendant. These are the questions we hear most about a stone like this.

Will it survive in a ring?

Only just. Malachite measures 3.5 to 4 on the Mohs scale, so knocks and scratches come easily. A ring worn now and then, or a pendant, is the safer choice.

Is it waxed or resin-polished?

That is common for malachite, since it protects the soft surface. Send us reference AG-000323 on WhatsApp and we will tell you what we know about this exact stone. Independent testing is up to you, and we can point you in the right direction.

How does it compare on price?

Smaller pieces usually carry a higher rate per carat than big ones, so compare it with the other malachite stones we list before deciding.

The colour is deep green with swirling bands and the stone is opaque. Traditionally malachite is carried as a protective charm; that is belief, not a measured effect.

Order now and pay on delivery after checking the stone. Within Karachi it takes about 1–2 working days, Lahore, Islamabad and the other major cities 2–4, and you have a full 7 days to return it. Read our malachite guide for more.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural malachite with a weight of 12.9 Carat. Its price is Rs. 2,250 — roughly Rs. 174 for each carat. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference AG-000323 when you message us about it. The photographs show this exact stone, so what arrives at your door is the piece you chose on screen.

Above twelve carats you are into collector territory. Pieces this heavy are usually set as pendants or kept loose, and they are prized for the size of rough they came from. If you do set it, choose a bezel or a heavy claw to protect the edges.

On the Mohs scale malachite rates 3.5 to 4. That makes it soft for a gemstone, better suited to pendants, earrings and rings for special occasions than to a daily ring. Keep it away from perfume, cleaning products, steam and ultrasonic cleaners, and polish it with a dry, soft cloth after wear.

Whoever you buy malachite from, make sure of three things: the stone is natural rather than lab-grown, glass or glass-filled; any treatment is stated in writing; and the weight quoted is the weight of the finished stone. We check every malachite for those three points before it is listed, and because you pay on delivery you can look at the stone — or have it tested — before any money changes hands.

We sell natural stones only and inspect each one before it is listed. Treatment for this stone: Treatment not tested. No lab report yet; independent testing welcome. As general background (not a statement about this stone): Malachite is commonly waxed or resin-polished to protect its soft surface. Ask us on WhatsApp and we will tell you what we know about this exact stone; independent lab testing is available on request.

A certificate of authenticity is available on request for this stone, and independent laboratory testing can be arranged. Because you pay on delivery, you can also take the stone to a lab of your choice within the 7-day return window. Read more on our authenticity page.