34.65 carats — 38.08 ratti — at Rs. 2,850, about Rs. 82 per carat. The reference is GS-000330. At that rate it is one of the two best-value stones in this part of the collection, where most sit between Rs. 106 and Rs. 176 per carat.

The banding on this stone

A broad pale silvery band sweeps down from the upper-left corner, widening as it goes, with fine bright green ripples crowding along its right-hand edge like a shoreline. The entire right side and base deepen into near-black green. A second, narrower pale streak crosses the lower-left corner independently of the first.

Two separate pale sweeps on one stone is unusual in this group — most show one — and it is what makes this piece worth a collector's attention rather than a jeweller's.

Recorded as Zambian

This stone is recorded with a Zambian origin. Zambia is one of the significant modern sources for malachite, and material from there is typically strongly banded with good contrast between the light and dark layers, which is what this stone shows.

That is what is recorded against the stone, not a mine document we hold.

Why a collector rather than a wearer

Malachite is 3.5 to 4 on the Mohs scale — one of the softest stones anyone sells as a gem. A piece this size with pattern this good is better kept where it can be looked at than set into something that will scratch it within a year. If you do set it, make it a pendant and give it a protective bezel.

Care

No ultrasonic cleaner, no heat, no acids. Wipe with a dry soft cloth. Keep it out of direct sunlight for long periods and away from other stones in storage.

We have not had this stone tested, so its treatment is recorded as "not tested" rather than untreated. Message +92 308 887 3888 for closer photographs. 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 34.65 Carat. Its price is Rs. 2,850 — roughly Rs. 82 for each carat. Origin: Zambia. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GS-000330 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.