Metallic lustre is the thing that separates hematite from every other dark stone. Black agate, black spinel and black tourmaline all look glassy. Hematite looks like polished steel, because it is essentially iron. This stone shows that as well as anything in our range, and it carries the most detailed engraving we have.

The stone

22.15 carats, which is 24.34 ratti. Rs. 3,750, about Rs. 169 per carat, reference GS-HE-0011. One piece, as photographed.

The engraving

This stone is engraved with an inscription across its face. Measured from the photograph, its fine surface detail scores 26.6 — the highest figure of any hematite we carry, where the plain stones measure 5.6 to 11.3. In plain terms the lettering on this one is denser and more finely worked than on the others, and that is what you are paying for at the top of our rate band.

Mean brightness measures 105 out of 255, which is towards the bright, silvery end rather than the near-black end — and a lighter surface is what lets engraved lettering read clearly instead of disappearing into shadow.

Why the lustre matters

1. It is diagnostic. A genuinely metallic sheen is hard to fake in a stone this cheap. Dyed or coated imitations tend to look glassy or plasticky.
2. It carries engraving well. Light catches the cut edges of the lettering against the mirror of the face.
3. It needs looking after. A mirror polish shows every scratch, and at 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale hematite is soft enough to pick them up.

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 looks. It should feel heavy for its size, and be only weakly magnetic if at all — a stone that jumps to a magnet is pressed synthetic rather than hadeed.

Treatment

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

Care

Soft dry cloth only. No ultrasonic cleaner and no harsh chemicals. Store it away from harder stones.

More

The hematite price guide covers the rates, the real or fake guide covers imitations, 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 22.15 Carat. Its price is Rs. 3,750 — roughly Rs. 169 for each carat. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GS-HE-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 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.