Hematite runs from near-black to a bright silver-grey, and the lighter end is harder to find well-finished. This stone sits at that end, and carries some of the finest engraving in our range — a combination worth paying attention to, because a bright surface is what makes engraved lettering legible.

The stone

16.65 carats, which is 18.30 ratti. Rs. 2,250, about Rs. 135 per carat, reference GS-HE-0008. Engraved. One piece, as photographed.

Silver grey, measured

Mean brightness measures 105 out of 255, against 59 and 64 on our darkest pieces — nearly twice as bright, which is the difference between a stone that reads as black and one that reads as polished steel. Its colour is near-neutral, as hematite's own colour should be: the grey is the mineral, not a coating.

The engraving

Fine surface detail measures 24.6, among the highest in our range, where plain polished stones score 5.6 to 11.3. Dense, finely worked lettering, and the bright surface underneath is what lets it read rather than disappearing into shadow.

What makes a good hadeed stone

1. Crisp engraving. Depth and evenness of the cut. Shallow or wandering work is worth considerably less.
2. A clean mirror polish between the letters, with no scuffing.
3. Surface brightness. A dark stone hides its own inscription.
4. Soundness. No chips at the edges, which is where a soft stone suffers.

How to check it is real hematite

Rub an inconspicuous spot on unglazed ceramic: natural hematite leaves a red-brown streak despite the grey surface. It should feel heavy for its size and be only weakly magnetic, if at all — strongly magnetic material is pressed synthetic and should not be sold as hadeed.

Treatment

Not tested, and the specification sheet records that rather than claiming otherwise. Coatings are used on hematite to produce gold and peacock colours; a neutral silver grey like this is the mineral's own colour, but the test has not been run. Independent laboratory testing can be arranged before dispatch.

Care

Hematite rates 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale. Soft dry cloth only; no ultrasonic cleaner, no harsh chemicals, and store it apart from harder stones.

More

The hematite price guide covers the rates, the general price guide gives wider context, 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 hematite with a weight of 16.65 Carat. Its price is Rs. 2,250 — roughly Rs. 135 for each carat. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GS-HE-0008 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.