← All gemstones
Carbonate

Malachite

Vivid green with concentric banding, opaque

Banded Green Green
Optical properties

Optical characteristics

Ref. index
1.655 – 1.909
Birefringence
0.254
Luster
Silky to vitreous
Pleochroism
None None (opaque).
Fluorescence
Typically inert.
Origins

Source localities

Russia Russia: Ural Mountains / Siberia
Significant ★ Top Source

Classic source for alexandrite, demantoid, diamond and nephrite; Ural malachite is historically celebrated.

25% est. supply
Zambia Zambia: Kafubu / Kagem
Significant

Major modern emerald source; the Democratic Republic of Congo (adjacent) is also a key malachite producer.

30% est. supply
Australia Australia: Queensland opal fields
Commercial

Important boulder opal source; also produces malachite in Queensland.

10% est. supply
Namibia Namibia: Erongo / Green Dragon area
Significant

Known for demantoid, spessartite and collector minerals.

20% est. supply
China China: Xinjiang / Yunnan / Hubei
Commercial

Known for jade, turquoise, quartz and multiple gem deposits.

15% est. supply
Treatments

Enhancement & treatment

Surface Enhancement Waxing Waxing is a common minor surface enhancement. In jade it is often accepted when… Impregnation Polymer Impregnation, Jadeite Acid bleaching followed by polymer impregnation improves transparency and color appearance but greatly reduces…
Inclusions

Inclusions & features

Zoning Color Zoning Under 10x loupe in immersion: bands or patches of deeper or lighter color arranged… Clouds Pinpoint Clouds Under 10x loupe: concentrations of extremely tiny bright dots that individually are too small…
Identification

Instruments used

10x Loupe Your most-used instrument, start every examination here High CRI Penlight Tiny concentrated white spot for field checks, inclusions, fire, and fractures Hydrostatic Scale Measures specific gravity, works even on opaque stones