Nine of the twelve green agates we carry are cut as ovals, and that is not a limitation of our stock. It is what the material asks for and what the settings expect, and understanding why tells you something useful about buying agate generally.

The stone

12.60 carats, which is 13.85 ratti. Rs. 8,800, about Rs. 698 per carat, reference GS-GR-0002. A polished oval cabochon. One piece, as photographed.

Why oval, and why domed

1. It follows the rough. Agate nodules are rounded, so an oval keeps weight a square or round cut would grind away.
2. It gives the broadest face for the weight. On a finger an oval reads generous where a round of the same carat looks smaller.
3. A dome, not facets. Agate is opaque to translucent. Facets only pay off in a stone that can return light from its back; on agate they would simply make a flat, lifeless face. A polished dome shows the colour and the banding instead.
4. It protects the stone. A cabochon has no sharp edges or pointed pavilion to chip.

What the measurement says

Green leads the colour across 97% of this stone, with a dominant hue of 128 degrees — the coolest, cleanest green in our range, with no yellow drift at all. Mean brightness measures 43 out of 255, placing it among the deeper stones. The dome is evenly polished and the colour sits consistently across the face.

What makes a good oval cabochon

Symmetry either side of the long axis, a proportionate dome that is neither flat nor overly high, and an even girdle so a setter can bezel it cleanly. Turn it under a lamp: the highlight should travel smoothly across the dome rather than jumping, which is the quickest test of whether the polish is honest.

The dyeing question

Green is the colour most often created by dyeing pale agate. This stone has not been tested, and the specification sheet records the treatment as untested rather than claiming the colour is natural. Dyed material tends to look unnaturally even, with colour pooling in cracks and pits; a loupe along the surface is the check worth doing. Independent laboratory testing can be arranged before dispatch.

Durability and care

Agate rates 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale with no cleavage plane. Warm soapy water and a soft cloth; no ultrasonic cleaner, no harsh chemicals, and keep it out of prolonged strong sunlight.

More

The green agate price guide covers the rates, the real or fake guide covers the checks, and the collection page has the rest of the range.

Ordering

One piece only. Flat Rs. 500 delivery anywhere in Pakistan by insured, tracked courier, dispatched in one to two working days. Cash on Delivery — open the parcel and look at the stone before you pay — and seven days to return it unused. Dimensions have not been recorded; message us on WhatsApp at +92 308 887 3888 and we will measure it.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural green agate with a weight of 12.6 Carat. Its price is Rs. 8,800 — roughly Rs. 698 for each carat. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GS-GR-0002 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.

Above twelve carats you are into collector territory. Pieces this heavy are usually set as pendants or kept loose, and they are prized for the size of rough they came from. If you do set it, choose a bezel or a heavy claw to protect the edges.

On the Mohs scale green 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 green 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 green 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): Strong green agate is usually dyed. 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.