Hematite — hadeed — is one of the least expensive stones we sell, and this is the least expensive piece in the range. That makes it a useful place to explain what you are actually paying for, because with hematite the stone itself is rarely the main cost.

This stone's numbers

8 carats, which is 8.79 ratti. Rs. 1,130, about Rs. 141 per carat, reference GS-HE-0001. One piece, as photographed.

This stone is engraved

Worth saying at the top, because it is the single most important thing about it. This is not a plain polished hematite: it carries an engraved inscription across its face. Measured from the photograph, its fine surface detail scores 18.6, against 5.6 to 11.3 on the plain stones in our range — the engraving is what that number is picking up. Mean brightness measures 107 out of 255, one of the brighter, more silvery surfaces we carry, which is what lets the lettering read.

That matters for price. Plain hematite is an abundant, cheap material. What you pay for on an engraved stone is the cutting and the hand of whoever did the lettering, and that is where most of the cost sits rather than in the mineral.

What moves a hematite's price

1. The engraving, by a distance. Depth, evenness and legibility of the lettering. A crisp inscription is worth more than a shallow, hurried one.
2. The polish. Hematite takes a genuinely metallic, mirror-like shine when it is finished properly. A dull or scuffed surface is a fault.
3. Size. Across our range the rate runs from about Rs. 103 to Rs. 172 per carat — a narrow band, because the material is not scarce.
4. Whether it is hematite at all. See below.

How to check it is real hematite

Two tests you can do yourself, and they are decisive:

• The streak. Rub an inconspicuous spot on unglazed ceramic — the unfinished back of a tile works. Natural hematite leaves a red-brown streak, however grey the surface looks. That is where the name comes from.
• The magnet. Natural hematite is only weakly magnetic, if at all. A stone that jumps to a magnet is almost certainly pressed synthetic, not hadeed.
• The weight. Hematite is heavy for its size. A piece that feels light for its bulk is not it.

Treatment

We have not had this stone tested, and the specification sheet records the treatment as untested. Hematite is sometimes given a surface coating to produce gold or peacock colours; this stone shows no sign of that, but the test has not been run. Independent laboratory testing can be arranged before dispatch.

Durability

Hematite rates 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale — softer than quartz, so it will pick up scratches from everyday grit over the years, and an engraved face is where that shows first. Wipe it with a soft dry cloth. No ultrasonic cleaner, and keep it away from harsh chemicals.

More

The hematite price guide covers the rates, the general price guide puts it alongside other stones, and the real or fake guide covers imitations. Hadeed is among the Islamic gemstones traditionally worn here. The rest of the range is on the hematite collection page.

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 before you order.

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.