24.55 carats — 26.98 ratti — at Rs. 3,380, about Rs. 138 per carat. The reference is GS-000325.

How to tell real malachite

The word "genuine" is worth something only if it comes with a test, so here is what to look at — on this stone or anyone else's.

The bands should misbehave. Natural malachite grew in rounded layers, so its bands wander, pinch out, change width and occasionally double back. Pressed malachite powder in resin — very common — repeats too evenly, and the pattern often looks printed rather than grown.

It should feel cool and heavy. Malachite is a copper mineral and dense for its size. Dyed howlite and magnesite, the other common substitutes, feel noticeably lighter.

It should be soft. At 3.5 to 4 on the Mohs scale, a steel pin will mark malachite in an inconspicuous spot. Anything that resists a pin is not malachite.

What we cannot tell you is whether this stone has been stabilised with resin, which is routine for malachite and not a defect. We have not had it tested.

The banding on this stone

A pale grey wedge fills the top-left. Down the centre-left runs a strong column of bright green bands, stacked vertically and clearly separated. The right two-thirds is deep green, with fine ripples visible across the upper-right. The vertical band direction is unusual here — most of the collection runs horizontal or concentric.

Recorded as Afghan

This stone carries an Afghan origin in our records, passed on as recorded rather than evidenced by a document we hold.

Care

No ultrasonic cleaner, no heat, no acids. Dry soft cloth, and keep it away from perfume and household cleaners.

Message +92 308 887 3888 for an identification before you buy. The rest of the range is in the malachite category.

Cash on Delivery is available across Pakistan, so you inspect the stone before paying — which is the real test — and returns are accepted within 7 days of delivery.

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 GS-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, a certificate is available on request, 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. Certificate available on request. 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.