A cabochon is a stone shaped as a smooth dome rather than cut with facets, and for agate it is effectively the only sensible choice. This one is also the lighter kind of green agate, which is worth saying plainly at the top rather than leaving you to discover it from the parcel.

The stone

13 carats, which is 14.29 ratti. Rs. 9,100, about Rs. 700 per carat, reference GS-GR-0003. A polished oval cabochon. One piece, as photographed.

Being straight about the colour

This is one of the two palest stones in our green range and we would rather you heard it from us. Green still leads the colour across 97% of the stone, so it is genuinely green and not grey — but its dominant hue sits at 75 degrees, well towards the yellow side, where the deeper stones in our range sit at 121 to 128. Mean brightness measures 109 out of 255, against 35 to 51 for the dark stones: more than twice as light.

In plain terms this is a soft, pale olive-green stone rather than a rich forest one. If you want depth of colour, the darker pieces in our range will serve you better and cost the same per carat. If you want something quieter that does not dominate a hand, this does that honestly.

Why agate is cut as a cabochon

1. It is opaque to translucent. Facets return light from the back of a transparent stone. Agate cannot do that, so facets would leave a flat, dead face.
2. A dome shows the colour and banding. The curve carries the eye across the stone and lets the layers read.
3. It is tougher. No sharp edges, no pointed pavilion, nothing to chip.
4. It suits the traditional bezel setting used for aqeeq across this region.

The dyeing question

Green is the colour most often created by dyeing pale agate — and pale agate is precisely the raw material dyers start with. This stone has not been tested, and our specification sheet records the treatment as untested rather than claiming the colour is natural. Its lighter, uneven, yellow-leaning tone is not what a dye job usually produces, but the honest statement is that the test has not been done. 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 care guide covers looking after it, and the collection page has the darker stones if those suit you better.

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 13 Carat. Its price is Rs. 9,100 — roughly Rs. 700 for each carat. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GS-GR-0003 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.