THE MATERIAL LIBRARY
Malachite
A copper carbonate mineral with distinctive green banding.
Colors & patterns
Light and dark greens in curved bands, rings and swirls.
Typical origins
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is a major source; historic sources include Russia.
Hardness
3.5–4 on the Mohs scale.
Choosing & setting this material
A cabochon shows its banding especially well. Protect the surface from scratches and acids. Confirm whether a piece is natural, reconstructed or an imitation.
Care & cleaning
Wipe gently with a soft, slightly damp cloth and dry promptly. Avoid soaking, acids, solvents, steam and ultrasonic cleaning. Store separately to protect the surface.
Origins above describe typical sources of the material, not the origin of an illustrated or stocked stone. Hardness measures scratch resistance, not resistance to breaking. Confirm the identity and treatments of the actual piece.
Further reading: Material reference · GIA: gem treatments