A clean oval cabochon of 29.95 carats — 32.91 ratti — at Rs. 6,750, about Rs. 225 per carat. The reference is GS-IR-0009.

The cut

This is a properly cut oval: measured across its outline the stone runs at a width-to-height ratio of 0.70, a classic, slightly elongated oval rather than the rounded-square cushion shape that two other stones in this category have. The dome is even and the outline symmetrical, which matters if you want a standard oval bezel rather than a mount made specially.

What the photograph actually shows

Be clear about the colour before you buy. 89% of this stone's surface measures as near-neutral grey — the highest proportion in the whole category — and only 6% of its measurable colour falls in the red band. Brightness reads 85 out of 255, the brightest figure here and matched only by one much smaller stone, because a grey metallic surface reflects more light than a deep red one does.

In plain terms: this is a steel-grey and olive stone with only a whisper of red in it. It is a handsome, quiet cabochon, but if you are picturing red and gold bands, look at the 36 to 53 carat stones instead.

Wearing it

Thirty carats is pendant territory more than ring territory for most people, though it would make a bold men's ring on a large hand. The neutral colouring is genuinely versatile — it goes with everything, which the red stones do not.

Durability and care

Iron-rich layers are softer than the silica ones, and this stone is weighted towards iron, so treat it as the more delicate end of the category. Soft dry cloth, no ultrasonic cleaner, and keep it off hard surfaces.

This stone has not been tested, so the treatment line reads "not tested", and we hold no documented origin for it. Ask on +92 308 887 3888. The banded red stones are in the iron tiger eye category.

Cash on Delivery is available across Pakistan, so you inspect the stone before paying, and returns are accepted within 7 days of delivery. Our buying guide explains how much the three layers vary.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural iron tiger eye with a weight of 29.95 Carat. Its price is Rs. 6,750 — roughly Rs. 225 for each carat. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GS-IR-0009 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 iron tiger eye rates 7. It handles daily wear, but a hard knock can still nick an exposed corner, so a protective setting is a sensible choice. Clean it with warm soapy water and a soft brush, and keep it away from abrasive cleaners and high heat.

Whoever you buy iron tiger eye 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 iron tiger eye 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): Iron tiger eye is usually untreated. 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.