Agate is banded chalcedony — microcrystalline quartz — and it has been cut and worn across this region for longer than almost any other stone. Green agate, sabz aqeeq, is one of the colours people ask for most, and also one of the colours most worth asking questions about.

The stone

14 carats, which is 15.38 ratti. Rs. 9,800, about Rs. 700 per carat, reference GS-GR-0005. A polished oval cabochon. One piece, as photographed.

What the measurement says

Green leads the colour across 97% of this stone, with a dominant hue of 127 degrees — a clean green, slightly to the cool side, with no drift towards yellow. Mean brightness measures 44 out of 255, which puts it among the deeper stones we carry. The dome is evenly polished and the colour reads consistently across the face.

What agate actually is

1. Quartz, in microcrystalline form. The same mineral as rock crystal and amethyst, but grown as fibres too fine to see rather than as single crystals.
2. Banded by nature. Agate forms in layers inside cavities, which is where its characteristic banding comes from.
3. Hardness 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, with no cleavage plane. Durable enough for everyday wear.
4. Abundant, and honestly priced because of it. Agate should cost hundreds of rupees per carat, not thousands.

The dyeing question

Green is the colour most often created by dyeing pale agate, so it deserves a closer look than most. This stone has not been tested, and our specification sheet records the treatment as untested rather than implying the colour is natural. Dyed material tends to look unnaturally even, with colour pooling in cracks and pits — hold any green agate under a loupe and look along its surface flaws. Independent laboratory testing can be arranged before dispatch on request.

It is worth saying that dyed agate is not fraud when it is declared. It has been done for close to two centuries and the colour is stable. What matters is being told.

Telling green agate from the stones it is confused with

Jade is heavier and tougher, and commands a far higher price. Moss agate is translucent with green inclusions suspended in it rather than an even green body — you can see the difference immediately once you know to look, and we carry it separately in our moss agate collection. Green glass is lighter and warms quickly in the hand.

Care

Warm soapy water and a soft cloth. No ultrasonic cleaner, no harsh chemicals, and keep it out of prolonged strong sunlight — dyed agate in particular can fade. The care guide has more.

More

The 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 14 Carat. Its price is Rs. 9,800 — roughly Rs. 700 for each carat. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GS-GR-0005 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.