Read this one before you buy it, because its colour is not hematite's own. This stone has a gold-coloured surface coating. Underneath it is ordinary hematite, which is grey to black. We would rather put that in the first line than let you find it out later.

The stone

15 carats, which is 16.48 ratti. Rs. 1,880, about Rs. 125 per carat, reference GS-HE-0007. Engraved, with a coated surface. One piece, as photographed.

The coating, measured

Hematite's own colour is near-neutral: our plain stones measure single-figure to low-twenties saturation. This one measures 59% saturation at a dominant hue of 47 degrees — squarely in the gold-yellow band, and one of only two stones in our range carrying that much colour. No natural hematite looks like this. The gold is applied.

That is not a secret process or a scandal; coated hematite is sold worldwide under names like gold hematite or rainbow hematite, and the finish is reasonably durable. What matters is that it is declared, and that you do not pay for it as though it were a natural colour.

The engraving

This stone is also engraved. Its fine surface detail measures 22.7, among the highest in our range, where plain polished stones measure 5.6 to 11.3. Mean brightness is 104 out of 255.

What to know about the coating

1. It is a surface layer. Deep scratches can go through it and show grey beneath.
2. No ultrasonic cleaning, no chemicals. Both can lift or dull a coating. A soft dry cloth is all it should ever meet.
3. It does not change what the stone is. Underneath it is hematite, and it will still leave a red-brown streak on unglazed ceramic where the coating is worn through.
4. Price it as coated. At Rs. 125 per carat this sits in the middle of our range, not at the top.

Treatment

The specification sheet records the treatment as untested, and we have not had it analysed — but the measurement above speaks for itself, and we are not going to pretend the colour is natural. Independent laboratory testing can be arranged before dispatch if you want the coating characterised properly.

Durability

Hematite rates 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, and a coated surface is more vulnerable than the stone beneath. A protective setting and gentle handling will keep it looking as photographed.

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.

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 15 Carat. Its price is Rs. 1,880 — roughly Rs. 125 for each carat. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GS-HE-0007 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.