Yamni aqeeq — Yemeni aqeeq — is the name that carries the most weight in Pakistani markets, and also the one most often used loosely. Agate from almost anywhere gets called Yamni when it is being sold. For this stone the origin is recorded as Yemen on its own specification sheet, which is why the word appears in the title at all.

The stone

15.20 carats, which is 16.70 ratti. Origin: Yemen. The recorded body colour is grey. Rs. 10,600, about Rs. 697 per carat, under reference GS-00031. One piece, photographed as it is.

Why Yemeni aqeeq is asked for by name

The reputation is religious and cultural before it is gemmological. Aqeeq from Yemen has been associated with the rings of the Prophet's family in Islamic tradition for centuries, and that association is why many buyers in Pakistan will pay more for a Yemeni stone than for identical material from elsewhere. Our guide to aqeeq for men covers the tradition and the silver ring that goes with it.

Gemmologically, Yemeni material is prized for an even, deep body colour and a good natural polish. It is still chalcedony — the same mineral family as every other agate — so do not expect it to behave differently in wear.

A grey aqeeq is not a lesser aqeeq

Most people picture aqeeq as deep red, so a grey stone surprises them. Grey and smoky Yemeni material has its own following, particularly for men's rings where a loud red is not wanted. It sits well in oxidised 925 silver, it does not clash with anything, and it suits daily wear in a way a bright stone does not. If you have been looking for something understated, this is the stone for it.

How do I know it is really from Yemen?

Honestly: origin is the hardest claim to verify in any gemstone, and anyone who tells you otherwise is overselling. What we can tell you is what is recorded for this stone, that a certificate of authenticity is available on request, and that independent laboratory testing can be arranged. Our aqeeq price guide sets out what a stated origin adds to the cost and why that premium exists.

Is it dyed?

Agate is often heated or dyed to deepen its colour, and our specification says exactly that rather than claiming this stone is untreated. A grey stone is in fact less likely to be dyed than a vivid red one, simply because there is no commercial reason to dye a stone this colour. The checks are in our guide to spotting dyed and glass aqeeq.

Ring size and setting

At 15.20 carats this is a comfortable men's ring stone — substantial without overhanging the finger. Shape and measurements have not been recorded; ask us on WhatsApp at +92 308 887 3888 and we will measure it before your jeweller makes a mount.

Ordering and care

Agate is 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale. Clean it with warm soapy water and a soft brush; avoid bleach and ultrasonic cleaners. 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. The other Yemeni stones are in the aqeeq collection.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural aqeeq with a weight of 15.2 Carat. Its price is Rs. 10,600 — roughly Rs. 697 for each carat. Origin: Yemen. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GS-00031 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 aqeeq 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 aqeeq 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 aqeeq 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): Agate (aqeeq) 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.