Hadeed is worn by women as well as men, usually in a smaller setting — a slim ring or a pendant rather than the heavy silver band it takes in a man's ring. At just over twelve carats this stone suits that: enough face to carry its inscription, light enough to wear without thinking about it.

The stone

12.35 carats, which is 13.57 ratti. Rs. 1,880, about Rs. 152 per carat, reference GS-HE-0003. One piece, as photographed.

This stone is engraved

It carries an inscription across the face rather than being a plain polished piece. Measured from the photograph, fine surface detail scores 14.5, where the plain stones in our range measure 5.6 to 11.3. Mean brightness is 78 out of 255 — a darker, softer grey than the brightest stones we carry, which gives the lettering a quieter contrast.

Ways to wear it

• A slim bezel ring. The engraved face sits outward and reads when you turn your hand.
• A pendant. Kinder to a soft stone than a ring, and the inscription faces forward where it can be seen.
• Not alongside harder stones. At 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale hematite is softer than most things in a jewellery box, and its mirror polish shows every scratch.

How to check it is real hematite

Rub an inconspicuous spot on unglazed ceramic: natural hematite leaves a red-brown streak, however grey the surface. It should feel heavy for its size and be only weakly magnetic, if at all — strongly magnetic material is pressed synthetic rather than hadeed.

Treatment

Not tested, and the specification sheet records exactly that. Hematite is sometimes surface-coated to produce gold or peacock-blue colours; this stone's neutral grey is not that, but the test has not been run. Independent laboratory testing can be arranged before dispatch on request.

Care

Soft dry cloth only. No ultrasonic cleaner, no harsh chemicals, and store it apart from harder stones. Put jewellery on after perfume and lotion, as a general habit.

More

The hematite price guide covers the rates, the carat to ratti converter handles the conversion if you think in ratti, 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 hematite with a weight of 12.35 Carat. Its price is Rs. 1,880 — roughly Rs. 152 for each carat. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GS-HE-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 hematite rates 5.5 to 6.5. That makes it soft for a gemstone, better suited to pendants, earrings and rings for special occasions than to a daily ring. Keep it away from perfume, cleaning products, steam and ultrasonic cleaners, and polish it with a dry, soft cloth after wear.

Whoever you buy hematite 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 hematite 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): Natural hematite is usually untreated (beware magnetic "hematine", a man-made imitation). 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.