Buying agate loose rather than ready-set is the better way round, and with green agate there is a specific reason beyond the usual ones: the dyeing question is far easier to settle with the stone in your hand and nothing covering its edges.

The stone

22.40 carats, which is 24.62 ratti. Rs. 15,700, about Rs. 701 per carat, reference GS-GR-0009. A polished rectangular cabochon — one of only two in our range that is not an oval. Supplied unset, exactly as photographed.

What to inspect on a loose green agate

1. Look along the edges and any pits under a loupe. Dye concentrates where the stone is porous. This is the single most useful check, and a bezel hides exactly the places you need to see.
2. Check the colour against the banding. Agate is banded. Natural colour tends to follow those layers; dye often ignores them and sits evenly over everything.
3. Feel the temperature. Stone stays cool against the lip for several seconds. Plastic and resin imitations warm almost at once.
4. Look at the back. On a loose stone you can. Agate backs are usually left flat and lightly finished; anything that looks glued or layered deserves a question.
5. Check the dome for flat spots. Tilt it under a lamp and watch the highlight travel.

What the measurement says

Green leads the colour across 92% of this stone, with a dominant hue of 124 degrees and a mean brightness of 36 out of 255 — one of the two deepest stones in our range. The rectangular cut gives it flat, straight edges that suit a modern bezel, and makes it a more distinctive piece than the ovals.

The dyeing question

Green is the colour most often created by dyeing pale agate. This stone has not been tested, and our specification sheet records the treatment as untested rather than claiming the colour is natural. Buying it loose means you can run the checks above yourself before committing, which is the honest advantage. Independent laboratory testing can also be arranged before dispatch.

Getting it set later

Any competent silversmith can mount a rectangular cabochon, though it needs a collet built to its own dimensions rather than a stock oval mount. Ask them to set it cold and not to clean it in an ultrasonic bath afterwards.

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 real or fake aqeeq guide goes through the checks in detail, the price guide covers the rates, and the collection page has the rest.

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 22.4 Carat. Its price is Rs. 15,700 — roughly Rs. 701 for each carat. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GS-GR-0009 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.