What's That Rock?Malachite
A bright green copper mineral, often with curved bands and rings. It is soft and is usually seen polished.
Contains copper. Dust is harmful: do not cut, grind or sand it without proper protection, and wash hands after handling raw pieces.
How to identify Malachite
- Green with concentric bands
- Soft: scratched by a knife
- Fizzes in dilute acid
Often confused with
- Chrysocolla
- Green jasper
- Dyed stones
- Plastic or glass imitations
Real or fake?
- Real malachite has uneven, natural banding; perfectly regular patterns suggest glass or plastic
- Fake pieces feel lighter and warmer than stone
Is Malachite valuable?
Moderate. Fine banded carvings can cost more.
Typical retail prices
Top banded polished pieces cost more.
Typical retail ranges in US dollars, compiled from public dealer and marketplace listings in October 2026. Real prices vary widely with quality, size and origin. This is general information, not an appraisal.
What changes the price
- Banding: crisp, concentric bands and 'eye' patterns in a polished piece are the top grade
- Quality: solid, dense green stone costs more than a thin crust or a stabilized blend
- Origin: Congo (Katanga) and Russian Ural material is well regarded
- Composites: 'reconstituted' malachite and plastic imitations are common
- Dust is harmful: do not cut or sand it without protection
Uses
- Jewelry, carvings and ornaments
- Historic green pigment and copper ore
Care
Soft and acid-sensitive. Avoid heat, chemicals and prolonged water.
Identifying a stone from a description or a photo is an estimate. Many stones look alike. Ask an expert or a gem lab before you buy, sell or rely on an identification.
Updated October 2026