Start with one number: 3.5 to 4 on the Mohs scale. That tells you how to treat this 19.60 carat malachite. A fingernail will not scratch it, but a key, a coin or a speck of quartz dust will. A ring on a hand that works all day will show wear in time, while a pendant hangs clear of most knocks.

Because the surface is soft, a coat of wax or resin is the usual protection. That is a normal part of the trade, and if you message us quoting AG-000318 we will tell you what we hold on this particular piece.

The stone itself shows deep green bands across an opaque, smooth body, a clean example of farang at a comfortable size.

A soft dry cloth is all the cleaning it needs. Keep it away from acids, hot water and ultrasonic machines, never leave it soaking in cleaning liquid, and store it in a cloth pouch of its own. The malachite category has other stones if you would like to compare banding and size.

You pay only after opening the parcel and seeing the stone with your own eyes. Karachi deliveries normally take 1–2 working days, the rest of the country 2–4, and an unused stone can come back within 7 days. If this is your first malachite, our buying guide covers the basics.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural malachite with a weight of 19.6 Carat. Its price is Rs. 3,230 — roughly Rs. 165 for each carat. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference AG-000318 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.