30.06 Ct. Malachite from Russia

This beautiful opaque green malachite from Russia is a fine example of what collectors and designers seek when choosing stones for statement pieces. We present a single 30.06 carat oval, measuring 29.95 x 21.97 x 2.95 mm, cut in a tablet style to emphasize its broad banding and surface chatoyancy. The gem has been evaluated as eye clean at typical viewing distances, with no visible imperfections to the naked eye, and it displays vivid color intensity with rich, saturated green tones. The polish is excellent, providing a smooth reflective surface that enhances the natural concentric and parallel banding that makes malachite so distinctive. There is no enhancement, the piece is wholly natural, and provenance is Russia, which traditionally yields some of the most desirable malachite specimens. The Natural Gemstone Company presents this cabochon as a ready to set, show quality piece suitable for collectors, cabinet displays, and jewelry design that values natural pattern and color depth.

From a gemological perspective malachite is a copper carbonate hydroxide mineral that forms in botryoidal and banded fibrous masses, which is why it is typically cut as a cabochon or tablet to reveal the striking layers. Its Mohs hardness is approximately 3.5 to 4, and specific gravity typically ranges from about 3.6 to 4.0, so it is relatively soft and dense compared with many gemstones. These physical characteristics influence both value and recommended use. The sizable 30.06 carat weight and the generous surface area from the 29.95 by 21.97 mm dimensions make this stone ideal for pendants, brooches, and large cocktail rings where the pattern can be showcased, and where the mounting will provide protective support. A bezel setting or a protective halo is advisable to shelter the edges and thin profile, particularly because the tablet cut provides a low profile thickness of 2.95 mm. Care recommendations include avoiding ultrasonic and steam cleaners, exposure to acids or household chemicals, and sharp impacts or abrasion. Cleaning with a soft cloth and mild soapy water is preferred, and storage separate from harder gemstones will prevent scratches.

When assessing value for an educated buyer it is important to consider origin, color saturation, banding clarity, and the condition of the cut and polish, all of which this specimen exhibits at a high level. Russian malachite is historically prized for its deep, lively greens and well defined banding, often coming from the Ural mining districts that established malachite as an ornamental favorite in European and Russian decorative arts. The tablet cut on this oval was chosen to maximize the visibility of the linear and concentric bands, producing a pleasing graphic effect that reads well in both modern and classical settings. The eye clean clarity grading is appropriate for an opaque stone, indicating the absence of disruptive matrix or fractures visible to unaided sight. The excellent polish not only increases luster but also sharpens the contrast between light and dark bands, which enhances perceived depth and quality. For buyers concerned about authenticity and provenance, The Natural Gemstone Company provides detailed imagery and will supply additional provenance documentation upon request. This malachite represents a reliable choice for those seeking a naturally patterned, untreated specimen with robust color and professional finishing, suitable for high quality jewelry or curated collections. Please contact our sales team for viewing options and setting recommendations tailored to your design and use intentions.