Despite the name, moss agate has no moss in it. The green, tree-like threads inside the stone are mineral inclusions that grew through the quartz, and no two stones carry the same pattern. This 97 carat shajri aqeeq is a good example: a big piece of natural moss agate with green, moss-like inclusions and a pattern that belongs to this stone alone.

In Urdu the stone is called shajri aqeeq, from shajar, meaning tree, because the inclusions often look like branches or foliage. It is a type of chalcedony, a fine-grained quartz, and it rates 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, which makes it tougher than moonstone or turquoise and well suited to rings, pendants and display pieces. At 97 carats it is a big stone, and a good candidate for a pendant, a large cabochon-style piece or a collector's shelf.

The price is Rs. 3,750, about Rs. 39 per carat, which is the sort of rate you expect from agate rather than a precious gem. Moss agate normally comes without enhancement; for our notes on this exact stone, message us on WhatsApp. A lab test at an independent laboratory is also possible. The reference is GS-000428. Similar stones are in the moss agate category.

Cash on Delivery is available across Pakistan, so you inspect the stone before paying, and returns are accepted within 7 days of delivery. 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 97 Carat. Its price is Rs. 3,750 — roughly Rs. 39 for each carat. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GS-000428 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.