"Premium" is a word that usually means nothing, so here is what it means on this listing. Every green agate we sell is priced at the same rate — about Rs. 700 per carat — so this stone is not dearer per carat than the others. It is in this listing because of what the photograph measures: a bright, clean green across almost the whole face, at one of the largest sizes we carry.

The stone

24 carats, which is 26.37 ratti. Rs. 16,800, about Rs. 700 per carat, reference GS-GR-0011. 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 126 degrees and a mean brightness of 47 out of 255. What sets it apart from the other deep stones is the vividness: measured as an average, this stone's green channel runs considerably stronger than its red and blue, which is what gives it the bright emerald-adjacent look in the photograph rather than the quieter forest tone of some of the others.

What separates a good agate cabochon from an ordinary one

1. Evenness of colour. Patchy or grey-shaded areas are the commonest fault, and they show badly once the stone is set.
2. A clean dome. Symmetrical, properly polished, no flat spot where the cutter saved weight. Turn it under a lamp and the highlight should travel smoothly.
3. No surface pits. Agate takes a glassy polish when it is sound. Pitting means porous material — which is also where dye would show.
4. Size. Any of the above in a small stone is unremarkable. Holding it across 24 carats is not.

The dyeing question

Green is the colour most often created by dyeing pale agate, and a bright even green is exactly the result dyeing is used to produce. This stone has not been tested, and our specification sheet records the treatment as untested rather than claiming the colour is natural. We would rather say that plainly on the listing where the colour is best than bury it. Look for dye pooling in cracks and pits under a loupe, and ask us if you want independent laboratory testing 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 price guide covers the rates, the real or fake guide covers the checks, and our authenticity page explains what we verify and what we do not. The rest of the range is on the collection page.

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 before you order.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural green agate with a weight of 24 Carat. Its price is Rs. 16,800 — roughly Rs. 700 for each carat. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GS-GR-0011 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.