26 carats — 28.57 ratti — at Rs. 2,100, which works out at about Rs. 81 per carat. The reference is GS-000329.

What malachite actually costs here

The per-carat rate across these twenty stones runs from Rs. 81 to Rs. 307 — a spread of nearly four to one, which is far wider than most of our categories. That is not arbitrary. With an opaque banded stone there is no clarity or colour grade to price against, so what drives the rate is the pattern, the size of the piece it was cut from, and how much waste the cutter had to accept to get a good face.

At Rs. 81 per carat this is the best value on the page, and the reason is simply that it is a large stone cut from generous material. The pattern is good but not exceptional.

One warning worth having. Malachite is among the most commonly imitated stones in the market — pressed malachite powder in resin, and dyed howlite or magnesite, both turn up regularly. The giveaway is usually the banding: real malachite's bands wander, pinch out and vary in width, while the imitations repeat too evenly and often show a slightly rubbery surface.

The banding on this stone

Pale grey sits in the top-left corner, and a second long pale wedge runs down the right side to the bottom-right corner, with fine green striping visible through it. Between the two, a dark green mass fills the centre, edged on both sides by tight bright-green ripple bands.

Recorded as Zambian

This stone carries a Zambian origin in our records — one of the main modern sources, and material from there is typically well banded with strong light-and-dark contrast. That is what is recorded against the stone rather than documentation we hold.

Care

Malachite is 3.5 to 4 on the Mohs scale and reacts to acids. No ultrasonic cleaner, no heat, no vinegar or lemon, and a dry soft cloth rather than washing.

We have not had this stone tested, so its treatment is recorded as "not tested" rather than untreated. Message +92 308 887 3888 with the reference. The rest of the range is in the malachite category.

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

This particular stone

This listing is one natural malachite with a weight of 26 Carat. Its price is Rs. 2,100 — roughly Rs. 81 for each carat. Origin: Zambia. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GS-000329 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.