Black agate is dyed as a matter of course, and the trade has never made a secret of it. Colour for this stone comes from treatment, not from the ground, so a buyer should ask about what the stone is rather than whether it is dyed. Ask for the surface finish, the evenness of the black and the condition of the edge.

For this 5.45 carat Kala Aqeeq, the black is the dyed black that you would expect. We can tell you what we know about this exact stone if you message us on WhatsApp, and independent testing can be arranged on request.

The details we do know

It weighs 5.45 carats and costs Rs. 750, which is about Rs. 138 per carat. The Mohs hardness is 6.5 to 7. In size it is compact, fitting a slim silver band or a ladies' ring. Our reference is GS-BL-0008.

For a wider view of the stone family, read our black agate buying guide or see the black agate category.

Tell us the finger size or the style of ring you have in mind and we can suggest whether this weight will look right, before you commit.

Cash on Delivery is available across Pakistan, so you inspect the stone before paying, and returns are accepted within 7 days of delivery.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural black agate with a weight of 5.45 Carat. Its price is Rs. 750 — roughly Rs. 138 for each carat. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GS-BL-0008 when you message us about it. The photographs show this exact stone, so what arrives at your door is the piece you chose on screen.

Between two and six carats is the range most people choose for a gents' ring or a noticeable pendant. Here colour drives the price more than size does, which is why two stones of near-identical weight can be priced very differently.

On the Mohs scale black agate rates 6.5 to 7. That is middle-of-the-road hardness: comfortable in pendants and earrings, and in rings worn with some care. Store it apart from harder stones so it does not pick up scratches, and wipe it with a damp cloth rather than scrubbing.

Whoever you buy black agate from, make sure of three things: the stone is natural rather than lab-grown, glass or glass-filled; any treatment is stated in writing; and the weight quoted is the weight of the finished stone. We check every black agate for those three points before it is listed, a certificate is available on request, and because you pay on delivery you can look at the stone — or have it tested — before any money changes hands.

We sell natural stones only and inspect each one before it is listed. Treatment for this stone: Treatment not tested. Certificate available on request. As general background (not a statement about this stone): Black agate is almost always dyed — it is standard for the stone. Ask us on WhatsApp and we will tell you what we know about this exact stone; independent lab testing is available on request.

A certificate of authenticity is available on request for this stone, and independent laboratory testing can be arranged. Because you pay on delivery, you can also take the stone to a lab of your choice within the 7-day return window. Read more on our authenticity page.