5.00 Ct. Cabochon Malachite from Russia

This piece is a single, opaque malachite cabochon weighing exactly 5.00 carats, presented in a classic oval outline, with dimensions of 12.18 by 9.99 by 4.19 mm, and a profile that reflects careful proportional planning. The carat weight is a primary indicator of presence and value in collector grade ornamental material, and at five carats this specimen occupies a premium bracket for malachite material that is both untreated and well finished. The oval format was selected to maximize the visual field of the characteristic banding, while the depth of 4.19 mm provides a substantial dome that reads as a deep, luxurious mass under normal magnification. The cabochon cut emphasizes the stone trade off between height and stability, the dome curvature being moderate rather than exaggerated, which preserves structural integrity for use in rings and other daily wear settings. Clarity is assessed as very slightly included at eye level, which in malachite principally relates to minor matrix interruptions or faint trace voids that do not materially impede the visual flow of the concentric and parallel bands. Overall this stone presents as a premium piece by virtue of its carat weight, intact surface quality, and well judged proportions.

Color and pattern are decisive quality attributes for malachite, and this example displays a bluish green ground tone with vivid color intensity and strong, well contrasted banding. The bands are predominantly linear and concentric, with narrow and broad striations that create a layered optical texture. The bluish green hue is particularly desirable among collectors because it indicates subtle copper oxidation states and rare transitional tones within the microcrystalline aggregate. The origin from Russia imparted to this specimen is meaningful, because Ural malachite from historical Russian localities is known for saturated color, fine banding, and comparatively uniform grain that takes a high polish. The vivid intensity here means the color sits close to the top of the malachite color grade scale, with sufficient saturation to read as rich and deep even under indirect light, while the lighter bands provide lively contrast that enhances perceived depth. The very slightly included clarity evaluation indicates that the bands are uninterrupted across most of the table field, and under loupe inspection only minimal inclusions are detectable, contributing to the overall premium appearance.

The cutting and finishing techniques applied to this cabochon reflect disciplined lapidary practice, with a focus on symmetry, dome evenness, and polish refinement. Cabochon work for malachite begins with orientation of the preform to align banding for the intended visual effect, and the cutter has oriented the banding to create pleasing parallel flow across the major axis of the oval. Grinding progressed through sequential abrasives to establish a pleasing convex dome while preserving the band contrast, and the final sanding and polishing stages achieved an excellent polish, evident in the high gloss and crisp band delineation visible on the dome. The absence of faceting is appropriate here because a faceted treatment would fragment the banding and diminish the signature aesthetic of malachite. No enhancement has been applied, which means the color and surface luster are entirely natural and the result of careful mechanical finishing rather than dyeing or stabilization. For those assessing stability and care requirements it is important to note malachite’s inherent physical properties, with a Mohs hardness of approximately 3.5 to 4, which mandates protective design choices and gentle handling to avoid abrasion or exposure to acids and ammonia based cleaning agents.

From a design and setting perspective the 5.00 carat weight combined with the 12.18 by 9.99 by 4.19 mm proportions offers versatility while maintaining a commanding visual impact. The cabochon height is sufficient to present strong three dimensionality without creating an overly proud profile, which supports bezel settings that cradle the girdle and distribute stress evenly across the stone. For rings intended as daily wear, a low to moderate bezel is advisable to protect the dome, while pendants and brooches can exploit the full dome height to emphasize the banding and color depth. The oval shape also permits standard prong or channel adaptations for non bezel designs, provided the mounting is engineered to accommodate the softer material characteristics of malachite. At The Natural Gemstone Company we emphasize provenance and technical transparency, and this Russian malachite, untreated and precisely finished, is representative of our commitment to sourcing high quality natural material and delivering lapidary work that highlights intrinsic beauty. If you require alternate orientations, matched pairs, or bespoke settings tailored to this stone’s banding and dimensions, we can provide technical recommendations and custom work to ensure the final piece honors the gem’s premium attributes.