Anyone buying hematite, known in Urdu as Hadeed, should hear one thing first: a magnetic "hematine" bead or stone is a man-made imitation, and it is sold widely as the real thing. Natural hematite is normally offered as it came from the ground, which is why the question worth asking is about the individual stone rather than the family.

This 8 carat piece is listed at Rs. 1,130, about Rs. 141 per carat. Hardness runs from 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale. Write to us on WhatsApp (+92 308 887 3888) quoting GS-HE-0001 and we will tell you what we know about this exact stone, and independent lab testing can be arranged if you wish to see it confirmed.

What we can say plainly is what the stone is: a natural hematite of 8 carats, from our hematite range. The weight is easy to wear every day and large enough to be seen on the hand. Hematite is dense, so it feels heavier than its size suggests, which is a handy first impression when it arrives.

Keep it away from knocks and wipe it with a soft cloth; an ultrasonic cleaner is not a good idea for a stone of this hardness.

Pay Cash on Delivery once you have opened the parcel and seen the stone yourself, anywhere in Pakistan, with 7 days to return it if you change your mind. Before you choose, read our hematite guide.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural hematite with a weight of 8 Carat. Its price is Rs. 1,130 — roughly Rs. 141 for each carat. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GS-HE-0001 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.

From six carats up a stone becomes the centre of attention. It wants a broader shank or a secure claw setting and suits an occasion ring, a signet or a centre pendant. Clean natural material of this size turns up far less often, and the per-carat rate reflects that.

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.