Six free-form malachite cabochons: the widest variety of silhouettes in the malachite catalog. Dimensions between 15 and 21 mm in length, with notable differences in thickness (2–5 mm) between pieces. Flat polished back.
Item details
| Mineral |
Malachite (hydrated copper carbonate) |
| Dimensions |
V1: 20×10×4 mm · V2: 20×10×2 mm · V3: 16×11×5 mm · V4: 17×15×5 mm · V5: 15×13×4 mm · V6: 21×13×2 mm |
| Shape and back |
Free-form, flat polished back |
| Finish |
Mirror polish |
| Hardness |
3.5–4 Mohs — we recommend a closed bezel setting |
| Origin |
Material acquired at a wholesale lapidary market |
| Treatment |
Untreated |
| Item type |
Unique piece per variant (lot nr.13) |
This specific piece
Lot nr.13 stands out for its variety of thicknesses: variants 2 and 6 are only 2 mm high — flat pieces, harder to set in a high bezel but ideal for sheet-type mounts or flat wire wrap. Variants 3 and 4 (5 mm high) are the most voluminous in the lot.
All show concentric banding of at least three distinguishable layers. Variant 4 (17×15 mm, almost circular) has the most centered pattern; variants 1 and 6 have more elongated silhouettes.
What mounting it works for
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Closed bezel setting (925 silver) — essential to protect the 3.5–4 Mohs hardness. For the 2 mm high variants, the goldsmith must build the bezel with a wall proportional to the stone's height.
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Variant 4 (17×15 mm) — almost square proportion, very versatile for a central ring or compact pendant.
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Variant 6 (21×13 mm, 2 mm high) — for a sheet-type pendant or brooch with a low-relief mounting.
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Wire wrap — especially suitable for the 2 mm high pieces, where the wire can work flat without adding bulk.
Malachite in lapidary tradition
Malachite has been carved as a jewel and pigment since ancient Egypt: ground, it produced kohl green and decorated funerary pectorals. In the 19th century, the Russian imperial court decorated entire columns of the Winter Palace with solid malachite. Its concentric banding forms when copper carbonate precipitates in successive layers within rock cavities; each band records a variation in fluid concentration, and no pattern is exactly repeated.
The symbolic properties attributed to minerals belong to cultural and historical traditions. They are shared for educational purposes, not as medical advice or a substitute for professional care.
How to recognize genuine malachite
Authentic malachite has concentric banding with layers of varying thickness — never mechanical uniform repetition. It is completely opaque and matte when unpolished; after polishing, it develops a characteristic resinous luster. The most frequent imitation is pressed or synthetic malachite, whose pattern is artificially regular.
Frequently asked questions
Is this malachite treated?
No detectable treatment. The green color and banding are a result of the mineral's chemistry (hydrated copper carbonate). No formal gemological certification.
What setting do you recommend?
Closed bezel in 925 silver. Malachite has a Mohs hardness of 3.5–4 — the bezel protects the soft perimeter and distributes impacts. For a ring, a high box design. For a pendant, a simple bezel exposes the banding in its entirety.
How much dimensional variation is there?
The published dimensions are the direct measurement of each piece. As they are free-form cabochons, there may be ±0.5 mm in any dimension. Select the numbered variant that best fits your mounting.
What care does malachite need?
Avoid prolonged contact with water, sweat, acids (perfumes, citrus), and abrasives — they attack the carbonate and dull the polish. Clean with a soft, dry cloth. More information on jewelry care.
Are the 2 mm high variants suitable for a ring?
It depends on the design. For a flat ring (signet type) yes, always with a low retaining bezel. For a ring with a high cabochon profile, these variants are not the most suitable; in that case, variants 3 and 4 (5 mm high) are more appropriate.
More about this stone: properties, meaning, and uses of malachite. See also: all cabochons · silversmithing materials.
