10.64 Ct. Cabochon Malachite from Russia

From the heart of the Russian earth to the palm of your hand, this malachite tells a story written in green. Formed over millennia in copper rich veins, malachite develops its distinctive bands and deep hues where groundwater altered copper deposits. The deposit where this piece originated has been known to produce exceptional material, layers of vivid green that range from bright emerald to deep forest tones, and miners working there have long respected the stone for its consistency and character. In the quiet of the mine, geologic pressure and patient chemistry coaxed crystalline structures into dense, opaque masses, then nature painted each fragment with flowing patterns and rich color. When our team at The Natural Gemstone Company first saw this rough, we recognized the potential in its saturated color and tight, evenly distributed fabric. This is a gemstone that carries the memory of rock and water, a little piece of the earth preserved in a rounded capsule of green.

The journey from rough to gem began with careful selection and thoughtful planning, because malachite rewards patience and precision. The rough was evaluated for its color zones and internal structure, and we selected a section that would yield an oval cabochon with a broad, dramatic face to show off the vivid color intensity. Cutting malachite requires a steady hand and respect for the stone, because it is relatively soft and can fracture if handled carelessly. Our cutter shaped the piece into an elegant oval of 15.92 x 12.21 x 5.55 mm, keeping the curvature balanced to enhance the depth of color. During preforming, the bands and swirls revealed new attitudes and subtleties, dark veining giving way to luminous patches, and the material took on a life of its own. Each pass of the wheel was done with a focus on minimizing loss and maximizing the natural beauty, so that the finished gem would present a continuous field of green rather than a fractured collage.

The final cabochon is a 10.64 carat oval, opaque and full of personality, with a clarity grade of very slightly included evaluated at eye level. Because malachite is typically opaque, the evaluation emphasizes surface quality and the distribution of inclusions that are visible without magnification, and this piece shows only minor inclusions that add character rather than distract. The cabochon cut is the ideal expression for malachite, allowing the color and pattern to read across the surface, and the dome was shaped to catch light in a way that emphasizes the vivid color intensity. Our polishers brought the surface to an excellent polish, creating a reflective, silky sheen that complements the stone chemistry. There are places where the green deepens to nearly black, and zones where a bright, almost neon green shimmers under different angles of light, a dramatic interplay that is both natural and refined.

This gem comes to you with no enhancement, a natural expression of its origin and formation, and it is a testament to careful sourcing and ethical handling. We at The Natural Gemstone Company believe that untreated stones carry a truer story, and this malachite is honest in its appearance and provenance. At 10.64 carats and with the dimensions specified, it is versatile for many design directions, from a statement ring that centers a hand, to a pendant that sits close to the heart, or a bespoke cuff that embraces the wrist. Designers will appreciate the balance between a substantial face and a profile that sits comfortably in a setting due to the 5.55 mm height. Because malachite is softer than many gem materials, proper setting and thoughtful wearing are recommended, and we can advise on protective bezel settings or thoughtful mounting that preserves the surface and enhances the natural polish.

When you choose this malachite from The Natural Gemstone Company, you are choosing a piece that has been shepherded from the mine to the studio with care, and presented with full respect for its origin in Russia and for its natural state. We can share detailed images and advice for setting, and we offer secure packaging and support for collectors and designers alike. Caring for this stone is straightforward, with gentle cleaning and avoidance of harsh chemicals or ultrasonic baths, and with sensible storage it will maintain its polish and vivid color for years. If you would like us to hold the piece, to provide custom mounting options, or to recommend complementary gems and metals, we are here to assist. This malachite is more than a gem, it is a small narrative of earth and craft, an intimate connection to place, and a beautiful candidate for someone who values natural character and artisan finishing.