gemstone

Polished green-and-black banded cabochon (likely malachite imitation or dyed agate)

Uncertain; possible malachite (Cu₂CO₃(OH)₂), banded agate (SiO₂), or man-made glass

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Oval polished cabochon with vivid concentric green-and-black banding and glassy/waxy luster, set in silver-colored jewelry. Malachite is Mohs 3.5–4 with monoclinic crystals; agate is Mohs 6.5–7 with cryptocrystalline quartz; the image alone cannot distinguish them.

Identified August 31, 2026More gemstone →

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At a glance

Common name: Polished green-and-black banded cabochon (likely malachite imitation or dyed agate)
Scientific name: Uncertain; possible malachite (Cu₂CO₃(OH)₂), banded agate (SiO₂), or man-made glass
Category: gemstone
Identified: August 31, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

Approximately $10–$40 for costume jewelry with imitation or common material; $30–$150 if verified natural malachite or quality agate.

Not an official valuation

AI estimate for general interest only — not an appraisal. Actual value depends on condition, provenance, and market demand. Verify with a professional before buying, selling, or insuring.

This identification was generated by AI and may contain errors. Verify important details before relying on them — and never use an AI result to judge whether a specimen is safe to handle. Read the full disclaimer

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Natural malachite forms by weathering of copper deposits, commonly in relatively young oxidized ore zones; agate forms when silica-rich fluids fill cavities in volcanic rocks. Strongly regular black-green swirls may indicate dyed agate or synthetic material.

Uses & applications

Used in pendants, earrings, cabochons, ornaments, and collector specimens; malachite is also an important copper ore, while agate is used for carvings and decorative stone.

Geological facts

Malachite commonly shows alternating light and dark green bands, but black coloration is unusual; a streak, hardness, and magnification test are useful for confirmation.

Field identification & locations

Check for natural fibrous or concentric banding, opaque green color, and a soft scratch response for malachite; agate should resist scratching by steel. Common sources include the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, Australia, Brazil, and Mexico.