Sell Malachite Gemstones for More

Malachite is a semi-precious stone classified as a copper carbonate hydroxide mineral. Like other semi-precious stones such as lapis lazuli, it is opaque – but this doesn’t stop it from being irresistibly beautiful. With a stunning green hue and bands of lighter and darker green throughout, this stone typically results when copper ores weather, and is sometimes found in larger crystal formations including calcite, goethite, and azurite. It is normally associated with the copper deposits that form around areas of limestone, and is found worldwide, with active mining on almost every continent.

Those who buy and sell malachite gemstones and malachite jewelry frequently are familiar with the factors that can affect its value. 

Age of Item and Quality of Setting. Vintage pieces containing malachite are usually quite valuable, as are mixed gemstone and semi-precious gemstone pieces containing malachite. Value increases dramatically when the stones are showcased in precious metal settings as was once the norm. Simple modern styles set in sterling silver are quite pretty, but are not typically of great value. 

If you are hoping to buy or sell malachite gemstones or malachite jewelry, it is very important that you work with a professional appraiser. This is the best way to ensure that you get as much as possible for your item.

Malachite gets its name from its striking resemblance to the leaves of the medicinal mallow plant. It has been popular since ancient times and was often used as a mineral pigment for making green paint; this practice stopped in about 1800 when a synthetic replacement was formulated. Decorative items were often made with malachite, and antique or vintage decorative objects carved from the stone can sometimes be of great value. Some are quite large; one of the biggest in existence is known as the Tazza, a massive cup carved from one of the largest pieces of malachite ever discovered, and displayed in the Linda Hall Library in Kansas City, Missouri. Another huge malachite piece was carved into a neoclassical urn, and is on display at the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia. 

While malachite has made its way into decorative wall panels and other large objects over the last 3,000 years or so, not all valuable pieces are huge. Many smaller items containing malachite are considered to be quite priceless – one example is an 1870 Gothic-style bracelet featuring malachite and other stones, and displayed at the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore, Maryland.

Top quality malachite is not at all rare, and is used in all kinds of modern jewelry. It is also possible to find exceptional examples in antique and vintage pieces. People who love the look of malachite enjoy wearing necklaces, pendants, earrings, and bracelets made with these stunning semi-precious stones. Rings are also available, as are wonderfully masculine shirt studs and cufflinks. Some of the most desirable pieces include antique Victorian pieces, which often include gold filigree, rubies, and other gemstones. Also desirable are vintage items such as those made by Van Cleef & Arpels; modern pieces featuring malachite set in precious metals or incorporated into designs with mixed gems are often quite valuable as well.

Why sell malachite? There are many reasons, and the following top the list: 

Excellent examples of malachite and malachite jewelry fetch thousands, and a few of the nicest pieces – particularly vintage ones – have recently sold for well over $10,000. If you’d like to sell malachite or malachite jewelry, you’ll most likely find yourself pleased at the offers you receive.