Hadeed is worn more by men than women in this region, usually set in a heavy silver ring, and an engraved stone is the traditional form. At 22.20 carats this one has the size for it.

The stone

22.20 carats, which is 24.40 ratti. Rs. 3,750, about Rs. 169 per carat, reference GS-HE-0012. One piece, as photographed.

This stone is engraved

It carries an inscription across the face. Measured from the photograph, fine surface detail scores 13.4, against 5.6 to 11.3 for the plain stones in our range — the lettering is what lifts it above that band. Mean brightness measures 105 out of 255, a bright metallic grey that lets the engraving read clearly.

If you want a plain stone with no inscription, two pieces in our range are plain and cost less per carat. The engraved ones are dearer because of the work on them, not the mineral.

Sizing it for a man's ring

1. Twenty carats and up reads properly in a heavy silver mount. Below that the stone gets lost.
2. Bezel, set low. Protects the edge and keeps the engraved face out of harm's way.
3. Tell the setter which way up it reads. An inscription has an orientation; a collet made the wrong way round is an expensive mistake.
4. Silver, traditionally. The cool metal suits the grey, and it is what hadeed is almost always set in here.

How to check it is real hematite

Rub an inconspicuous spot on unglazed ceramic: natural hematite leaves a red-brown streak whatever the surface looks like. It should feel notably heavy for its size, and be only weakly magnetic if at all. Strongly magnetic material is pressed synthetic, and we would not call that hadeed.

Treatment

Not tested, and the specification sheet records that rather than claiming better. Surface coatings are used on hematite to produce gold and peacock colours; this stone's neutral grey is not one of them. Independent laboratory testing can be arranged before dispatch.

Care

Hematite rates 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, so it is softer than most of what it will meet. Soft dry cloth, no ultrasonic cleaner, no harsh chemicals, and take the ring off for rough work.

More

Hadeed sits among the Islamic gemstones worn here, the price guide covers the rates, 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 22.2 Carat. Its price is Rs. 3,750 — roughly Rs. 169 for each carat. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GS-HE-0012 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.