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March 26, 2025 Lisa Satin

Fake vs Real Malachite

Are you unsure if your Malachite is real? Is it a fake being passed off as the real deal? Is it another stone altogether? Let's learn to pick out real Malachite crystals for your collection. 

Watch the Real vs Fake Malachite video to see examples and read below for even more tips and tricks. 

Love learning about your favorite gemstones? Join the Satin Crystals VIP. You receive free crystal information every single week. 

peering at malachite through diamond loupe

How can you tell if your Malachite is real?

The best way to know if your Malachite is real is to buy from a reputable seller who knows what they are selling you. They should be knowledgeable enough to answer your questions, and if they don't have the answer they will say so rather than making something up!

Because Malachite is a valuable stone, especially in its coveted rich colors and unique patterns, deceptive or naive vendors are passing off fakes as the real thing. They could be dyed, synthesized, or other stones pressed together to look like the real thing. 

If you do not have access to a reputable seller, here are some tips to follow to tell if your Malachite is real: 

  • Real Malachite is a 3.5-4 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness. This makes it relatively soft and easy to scratch with many other stones and materials harder than a 4. 

  • Real Malachite will never have air bubbles. Air bubbles are an indication of glass. Use a magnifying jeweler's loupe to help you see into the stone.

  • Real Malachite will have inclusions. Notice your stone's mineral inclusions, veins, craters, dips, and imperfections. You may not find these in a fake. 

  • Real Malachite has complex bands. Malachite's veins are uniquely layered and patterned which may not show up in fakes. 

  • Real Malachite will always have a pale green streak. Despite its outward appearance, Real Malachite will have a pale green powder in the crystal streak test. 

  • Real Malachite will not leak color. Testing with acetone should not remove any color from the stone. However, the stone may naturally change colors depending on conditions like humidity or heat. 

  • Real Malachite has a specific gravity of 3.6 to 4. Here is a video on how to measure your stone's density at home. 

apatite and malachite bracelet

  • Real Malachite is relatively heavy. Because of its copper content, it is heavier than other stones and definitely heavier than plastic and glass.

  • Real Malachite will react with hydrochloric acid. It should bubble or fizz as it releases carbon dioxide gas. It will eventually dissolve in the acid. It is one of the few green stones that will react this way. 

  • Real Malachite has a refractive index range of 1.65 to 1.91. This test requires a refractometer.

  • Real Malachite may show weak dichroism or pleochroism. You can usually see different shades of green since the stone is opaque. 

  • Real Malachite will always be green. It may have various shades of green, but it will never be other colors. 

  • Real Malachite is relatively expensive. If it is real Malachite, it will be priced higher than most other green gemstones and definitely more than fakes!

Some of these tests are destructive, so only conduct them on pieces you aren't worried about.

None of these tests are conclusive in themselves. If you are still unsure, you can send your Malachite to a certified gemological laboratory for testing. You can also find additional tips in the Crystal Identification Help.

malachite pyramid and bracelet

Is my Malachite coated?

Your Malachite may be coated. Because it is a soft stone, resin is usually used in Malachite jewelry to protect its glossy polished shine and protect it from scratches. This gives the Malachite surface a harder surface and it may be difficult to use some of the tests above to determine if it is real or not. 

Vendors do not need to disclose if the Malachite has been coated, although here at Satin Crystals we do. 

Is there Pressed Malachite? What about Reconstituted Malachite?

Pressed Malachite is common. Pressed Malachite refers to natural pieces of Malachite pressed into other materials for stability. There is nothing wrong with pressed Malachite if you know what you are buying, but if the vendor passes it off as a naturally forming stone, buyer beware. 

You will also find Reconstituted Malachite in which Malachite discards are crushed, dyed, and reshaped. This can be held together with resin or other manmade materials. 

Reconstituted Malachite is a little different than Pressed Malachite as it will usually be more manipulated than simply being pressed for stability. 

What is Imitation Malachite?

Imitation Malachite is created from resin or other manmade material and does not include real gemstone. It shows dark and pale green bands and black veins. The harsh black veins will tip you off to its imitation.

Real Malachite has bands that look almost black, but upon closer inspection, will be a very dark green. Imitation Malachite usually always tries to imitate the banded look as it's easier to achieve than Malachite's swirls, bullseye, curves, and waves. 

Shop Real Malachite Stones

The power of real Malachite can never be replaced by fakes. Go ahead, try it for yourself. Here are real gemstones from the Satin Crystals Malachite Collection to add to your treasures.

Malachite Continued

Have you worked with Malachite crystals? We'd love to hear about your experiences. Post them below.

Filed in: malachite, real vs fake stones
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Comments

Lisa Satin - May 14, 2025

Hi Troy, thank you for your email. If you haven’t watched our video yet, check out the Ultimate Guide to Crystal Bracelets. It is also included in each of the bracelet listings.

If still unsure, you can send a picture or video of your wrist being measured, and we can verify.

If you are a 7.08", you can theoretically get a 7" as it’s stretchy and will conform to your wrist. If you like it a little looser, I would go for a 7.25".

Troy - May 14, 2025

Hi
I’m wanting to purchase a bracelet I was wondering if you could give me some advice on what size to get.
By my measurements if I’m correct my wrist size is about 7.08or 18cm. Should I purchase a size 7.25. ?
Regards

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