Shajri aqeeq, literally "tree agate", is the Urdu trade name for moss agate, and in Pakistani gem shops it has long been valued for its patterned look. People buy it for rings, tasbih beads and carved pieces. Here it arrives as a 44.9 carat stone, which is firmly in the larger range.

The hard facts: the stone is natural moss agate, with a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7, listed at Rs. 3,000, which is about Rs. 67 per carat. The reference is GS-00097-1-1. The colour tells you what you are getting, greens drifting through the body in the shape of moss or fronds.

Moss agate is normally sold as found. Ask us on WhatsApp what we know of this stone.

Because it is a larger, softer-than-sapphire stone, treat it kindly. Wash in mild soap and water, dry, and store separately from hard stones. Traditionally it is tied to growth and a feeling of calm, a matter of belief. Related stones are in the moss agate collection, and the gemstone names list explains other trade words.

Order with Cash on Delivery anywhere in Pakistan: open the parcel, check the stone, then pay. If it is not right for you, you have 7 days to return it. Before you choose, read our moss agate guide.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural moss agate, known in Urdu as Shajri Aqeeq, with a weight of 44.9 Carat. Its price is Rs. 3,000 — roughly Rs. 67 for each carat. Origin: Pakistan. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GS-00097-1-1 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 moss agate rates 6.5 to 7. That is middle-of-the-road hardness: comfortable in pendants and earrings, and in rings worn with some care. Store it apart from harder stones so it does not pick up scratches, and wipe it with a damp cloth rather than scrubbing.

Whoever you buy moss agate 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 moss agate 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): Moss agate (shajri aqeeq) 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.