42.60 carats — 46.81 ratti — at Rs. 4,500, about Rs. 106 per carat. The reference is GS-000326. It is the largest stone in this part of the collection, and the most intricately patterned.

The banding on this stone

The whole upper half is covered in fine, tightly packed green ripples running almost horizontally, like close-set wood grain or contour lines on a map. A soft pale grey zone sits left of centre, and below it a bold bright-green S-curve sweeps down towards the lower-left corner. The right side and base fall away into deep, almost black green.

The fineness of that upper banding is what marks this one out. Most of the stones in this collection show four or five broad bands; this one has a dozen or more packed into the same space.

What malachite is, and why it is banded

Malachite is a copper carbonate that forms in rounded, layered masses in the oxidised zone above copper deposits. Each band is a growth layer, laid down as copper-rich water seeped through rock, and the colour varies between layers with the density of the deposit. Slice through those layers and you get the pattern you see here. No two cuts are the same, which is the whole appeal.

This stone is recorded as Afghan.

Wearing it

At nearly 43 carats this is a pendant or a display piece rather than a ring stone. Malachite is soft — 3.5 to 4 on the Mohs scale, softer than a copper coin — so a large piece is far better worn at the neck than on a hand that knocks against things.

Care, which matters more here than with most stones

Malachite is one of the most delicate stones we sell. It scratches very easily, and it reacts to acids: lemon juice, vinegar, even sweat over time will dull the surface. Never use an ultrasonic cleaner, never use heat, and wipe it with a dry or barely damp soft cloth rather than washing it. Take it off before perfume, hairspray or cleaning.

We have not had this stone tested, so its treatment is recorded as "not tested" rather than untreated. Malachite is sometimes stabilised with resin to make it workable, which is normal practice and not a defect, but it is worth knowing. Message +92 308 887 3888 for more 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 42.6 Carat. Its price is Rs. 4,500 — roughly Rs. 106 for each carat. Origin: Afghanistan. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GS-000326 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.