Iranian aqeeq sits beside Yemeni as the origin buyers in Pakistan ask for by name. The two have different reputations and different prices, and because origin is the hardest thing in gemmology to prove, it is also the claim most often made loosely. This page sets out what is usually meant by Iranian aqeeq and what we can and cannot tell you about this stone.

The stone

26.40 carats, which is 29.01 ratti. Natural red agate. Rs. 18,500, about Rs. 701 per carat, reference GS-RE-0021. One piece only.

Iranian and Yemeni: what the trade means

• Iranian aqeeq is generally described as a lighter, brighter red with a slightly glassy surface and good translucency — material associated with the agate-working tradition around Mashhad and north-eastern Iran.
• Yemeni aqeeq is generally described as deeper and more opaque, often a dense brick or brownish red, with a long religious association behind it.
• Price usually favours Yemeni, mostly for devotional reasons rather than gemmological ones.
• Neither is harder, tougher or longer-lasting than the other. They are both chalcedony at 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale.

Our Yemeni versus Iranian aqeeq guide goes through the visual differences people use and what drives the difference in cost.

Being straight about origin

No gemmological test identifies the country a piece of agate came from the way it can for some other stones. Any seller who tells you a report will prove the origin of an aqeeq is overstating what reports do. What we offer instead: the stone photographed as it is, a certificate of authenticity on request, independent laboratory testing if you want it, payment only after you have opened the parcel, and seven days to send it back. That is a better guarantee than a confident sentence on a product page.

What about dye?

Red agate is often heated or dyed to deepen its colour — the honest position for the stone type, and what our specification says rather than a blanket "untreated" claim. Check for colour pooling inside cracks, a hard line where the colour stops near the base, and a red so flat it looks printed. Natural material usually varies across the face. The checks are in our dyed and glass aqeeq guide.

Is 26.40 carats too big for a ring?

Not for the traditional Pakistani men's style, which is built around stones of exactly this scale on a broad silver shank. It will sit proud of the finger — that is the intended look. For something lower-profile, the red agate collection has lighter stones at the same per-carat rate.

Measurements

Shape and dimensions have not been recorded for this piece. Ask us on WhatsApp at +92 308 887 3888 and we will measure it and photograph it against a scale.

Care and ordering

Warm soapy water and a soft brush; no bleach, no ultrasonic cleaner. Flat Rs. 500 delivery anywhere in Pakistan, insured and tracked, dispatched in one to two working days, Cash on Delivery, seven days to return it unused.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural red agate with a weight of 26.4 Carat. Its price is Rs. 18,500 — roughly Rs. 701 for each carat. Origin: Iran. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GS-RE-0021 when you message us about it. The picture is a representative photograph of this type of stone, not of this individual piece, so the stone you receive will differ in its markings and outline. Its weight and price above are this stone's own, and we will send photographs of the actual piece on WhatsApp before you buy.

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 red 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 red 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 red 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): Red agate is often heated or dyed to deepen its colour. 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.