Read this before you buy it. The peacock-blue colour on this stone is a surface coating, not hematite's own colour. Underneath it is ordinary hematite, which is grey to black. We put that first rather than leaving you to discover it.

The stone

14.55 carats, which is 15.99 ratti. Rs. 1,500, about Rs. 103 per carat — the lowest rate per carat in our hematite range. Reference GS-HE-0006. Engraved, with a coated surface. One piece, as photographed.

The coating, measured

Hematite's own colour is near-neutral grey. This stone measures 66% saturation — the highest of any hematite we carry — on a dominant blue hue, against single figures to the low twenties on our uncoated stones. No natural hematite carries that much colour. The blue is applied.

Coated hematite is sold worldwide as rainbow or peacock hematite and the finish is reasonably durable. It is not a scandal; it just has to be declared, and it should not be priced as though the colour were the stone's own. At about Rs. 103 per carat this is the cheapest rate we charge, which is where a coated stone belongs.

The engraving

This stone is also engraved. Fine surface detail measures 14.0, above the 5.6 to 11.3 band of our plain stones. Mean brightness is 65 out of 255 — the coating sits dark as well as blue.

Living with a coated stone

1. It is a surface layer. A deep scratch can cut through it and show grey beneath.
2. No ultrasonic cleaning, no chemicals. Either can lift or dull a coating. A soft dry cloth is all it should meet.
3. A protective setting helps. At 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale the stone is soft, and the coating is softer still.
4. It is still hematite underneath. Where the coating is worn through it will leave the usual red-brown streak on unglazed ceramic.

Treatment

The specification sheet records the treatment as untested — we have not had it analysed in a laboratory. But the measurement above is clear enough, and we are not going to describe the colour as natural. Independent laboratory testing can be arranged before dispatch if you want the coating properly characterised.

More

The hematite price guide covers the rates, our authenticity page explains what we do and do not verify, and the collection page has the uncoated stones if you would rather have one of those.

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 14.55 Carat. Its price is Rs. 1,500 — roughly Rs. 103 for each carat. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GS-HE-0006 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.