Afghan malachite of 24.55 carats, with deep green banded patterns running through an opaque body. For its size it stays modestly priced, because large malachite is far easier to find than large emerald, and the price follows the weight rather than any rarity.

Colour and surface

All of the beauty here is in the pattern and the polish, since nothing passes through an opaque stone. If the outline matters to you, ask us for photographs from a few more angles before you order.

A wax or resin finish is routine on malachite. Message us on WhatsApp and we will tell you what we know about this exact stone.

For setting, keep the hardness of 3.5 to 4 in mind. A silver bezel protects the edges, and a pendant keeps the stone out of the way of daily knocks. Quote AG-000325 when you write, and see more in the malachite range or the malachite buying guide.

Buying it as a gift? A plain silver bezel pendant is an easy way to make it wearable without hiding the banding, and it is a setting any local jeweller can make.

The parcel comes Cash on Delivery, so the stone is in your hand before you pay a rupee. Karachi: usually 1–2 working days. Elsewhere in Pakistan: usually 2–4. Returns: 7 days, unused and in its packing.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural malachite with a weight of 24.55 Carat. Its price is Rs. 3,380 — roughly Rs. 138 for each carat. Origin: Afghanistan. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference AG-000325 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.