6.40 carats — 7.03 ratti — at Rs. 1,350, about Rs. 211 per carat. The reference is GS-000327.

Why the rate is higher on a small stone

Rs. 211 per carat is well above the Rs. 81 to Rs. 176 that the larger stones on this page cost, and the reason is not quality. Small cabochons cost more per carat because the cutting work is nearly the same whatever the size: the same shaping, the same dome, the same polishing, spread over a fraction of the weight. That is true across the trade, not just here.

So a small stone is never the bargain its total price suggests — but it is still the cheapest way into a piece.

The banding on this stone

Pale grey runs across the top of the face. A single bold bright-green band curves down the right-hand side. The lower-left two-thirds is deep, quiet green. Broad, few, clearly separated bands — exactly what works at a small size, where fine banding would simply disappear.

For making a piece

At 6.4 carats this suits a small pendant, a ring for a slim hand, or one of a pair of earrings if you can match it. Malachite is forgiving to set in one respect — it is opaque, so there is no pavilion to protect and no light leakage if the bezel sits high — and unforgiving in another: it must be set cold, last, and kept well away from polishing compounds.

Recorded as Afghan

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

Care

3.5 to 4 on the Mohs scale, acid-sensitive. No ultrasonic cleaner, no heat. Dry soft cloth.

We have not had this stone tested, so its treatment is recorded as "not tested" rather than untreated. Message +92 308 887 3888 for dimensions. 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 6.4 Carat. Its price is Rs. 1,350 — roughly Rs. 211 for each carat. Origin: Afghanistan. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GS-000327 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.

From six carats up a stone becomes the centre of attention. It wants a broader shank or a secure claw setting and suits an occasion ring, a signet or a centre pendant. Clean natural material of this size turns up far less often, and the per-carat rate reflects that.

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.