In this article
Written by Sameer
Reviewed on
Green aqeeq is a hard, easy-going stone, and looking after it is mostly common sense. The one thing you do need to understand is where the green comes from, because that decides which cleaners and habits are safe for it.
Natural green or dyed green?
Some agate is green or greenish grey all by itself, thanks to traces of minerals such as chlorite. A lot of the bright, saturated green agate you see in the market, though, has been dyed. Agate is built from very fine layers that soak up colour easily. Dyed agate is still natural agate, and the dye is usually stable, but strong chemicals, long soaking and months of harsh sunlight can weaken it over time. If you are not sure which kind you own, just treat it gently and you are covered either way.
How hard-wearing is it?
Green agate is a type of chalcedony and sits at around 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, so it is fine in a ring you wear every day. Its weak spot is the edge of a cabochon. A knock against a counter or a wall can take a chip out of it, and a bezel setting that wraps the edge goes a long way to preventing that.
How to clean it
- Wipe it, or rinse it quickly, in lukewarm water with a drop of mild soap.
- Take a soft brush to the back of the setting, where dust and skin oil collect.
- Rinse, dry it straight away and buff it with a soft cloth.
Keep bleach, acids, jewellery dips and long soaks away from it, since those are the main dangers to a dyed stone. Skip ultrasonic and steam cleaners too.
Storing and wearing it
- Give it its own pouch, so harder stones don't scratch it and it doesn't scratch softer ones.
- Put it on after perfume and hand cream, and take it off before cleaning the house with chemicals.
- Don't leave it for long on a sunny windowsill or in a hot parked car.
Is it actually agate?
The usual fake is glass. Under a loupe glass shows round bubbles, and it warms up quickly in your hand, while agate stays cool for longer and shows layered bands or a cloudy texture. Ask the seller to confirm in writing whether the stone is natural and whether its colour is dyed. We tell you both whenever we know.
Choosing a good piece
Look for even colour, a smooth, glossy polish and a neat, symmetrical shape. Every stone in our green agate collection is checked and photographed on its own. If green stones are your thing, lapis lazuli makes a nice contrast, or look at ruby for something special. Our names page lists the Urdu and English names side by side. We deliver with Cash on Delivery across Karachi in 1–2 working days, and to Lahore and every other city in Pakistan.
References
