Most of the hematite we carry is engraved. This one is not — it is a plain polished stone, dark and mirror-finished, and if what you want is the material itself rather than an inscription, this is one of the few in the range that gives you it.

The stone

23.35 carats, which is 25.66 ratti. Rs. 2,630, about Rs. 113 per carat — the lowest rate of any uncoated stone in our range. Reference GS-HE-0013. One piece, as photographed.

Plain, and measurably so

We measure the photographs rather than describing them from impression. Fine surface detail on this stone scores 7.4, where the engraved pieces in our range run 12.5 to 26.6. That low number is what a smooth, unbroken polished face looks like to a measurement. Mean brightness is 64 out of 255 — genuinely dark, towards the black end of hematite's range rather than the bright silvery end.

Why plain costs less here

At about Rs. 113 per carat this is the cheapest rate we charge for an uncoated hematite, and the reason is straightforward: you are paying for the mineral and the polish, with no engraving labour on top. Hematite itself is abundant. Across our range the rate runs Rs. 103 to Rs. 172 per carat, and the engraved stones sit at the upper end of that.

What hematite actually is

1. Iron oxide. The main ore of iron, which is why it is so heavy for its size and why its polish looks metallic rather than glassy.
2. Grey to black on the surface, red underneath. Rub it on unglazed ceramic and it leaves a red-brown streak — the definitive test, and the origin of the name.
3. Only weakly magnetic. A stone that leaps to a magnet is pressed synthetic, not hadeed.
4. 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale. Softer than quartz, so it scratches over time.

Treatment

Not tested, and the specification sheet records that rather than claiming otherwise. The treatment to know about in hematite is a surface coating used to produce gold or peacock-blue colours. A plain dark stone like this one is not what coating produces, but the test has not been run. Independent laboratory testing can be arranged before dispatch.

Care

Soft dry cloth. No ultrasonic cleaner, no harsh chemicals. Store it apart from harder stones — at 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale almost anything in a jewellery box can mark it, and a mirror polish shows every scratch.

More

The hematite price guide covers the rates, our authenticity page explains what we verify, and the collection page has the rest — including the engraved pieces.

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 23.35 Carat. Its price is Rs. 2,630 — roughly Rs. 113 for each carat. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GS-HE-0013 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.