In this article
Written by Sameer
Reviewed on
Sulemani aqeeq is banded agate, usually black or dark brown with sharp white lines running through it, and sometimes with rings that look like an eye. It is worn all over Pakistan, and two stones of the same size can be very far apart in price. Nearly all of that difference comes down to the bands and the finish, and once you know what to look for, you can judge both in about a minute.
The value is in the bands
- Crispness: clean, sharp white lines with clear edges beat blurry or smudged ones.
- Contrast: a deep, even dark background behind bright white bands looks striking, and it is valued higher.
- Pattern: evenly spaced parallel bands, or neat concentric "eyes", are the most wanted. Random, broken patterns usually sell for less.
- Placement: a good cutter centres the pattern so the stone looks balanced once it is set.
Natural colour and dye
Dyeing banded agate to darken the black layers is a very old practice and a very common one, and a large share of black-and-white agate on the market has been treated this way. The colour is generally stable. What matters is that you are told. A dead, jet-black background with no variation in it at all is often a sign of dye.
Agate or glass?
Under a loupe, glass imitations show round bubbles, and they warm up quickly in your hand. Bands that have been painted or printed sit on the surface instead of running through the stone, so check the sides and back to see whether the pattern carries on. A perfect, flawlessly patterned stone at a very low price deserves a second look. Ask the seller to write down that it is natural agate, and whether it has been dyed.
Finish and how well it wears
Agate is 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, which makes it a good everyday ring stone. Look for an even, glassy polish, a symmetrical outline and no chips around the edge.
Price
The quality of the bands, the contrast and the finish matter more than size. We price each stone on its own.
About the name
In popular tradition the name connects the stone with Hazrat Sulaiman, and aqeeq in general has been worn across the Muslim world for centuries. Any spiritual meaning is a matter of personal belief, not a promised effect.
Before you pay
Check that the stone is natural agate, that any dyeing is written down, and that the weight is for the cut stone. We check every stone and photograph each one by itself. Browse sulemani agate, or compare white topaz and citrine. Our gem names page lists the Urdu and English names. Cash on Delivery covers Karachi, usually within 1–2 working days, as well as Lahore and every other city.
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