Natural Moss Agate (Shajri Aqeeq) in Pakistan

Where the name comes from

"Shajar" means tree, and that is what you see in a fine stone: branching, fern-like shapes called dendrites. They are mineral growths, mostly manganese or iron oxides, trapped inside clear or milky chalcedony. Despite the name, moss agate rarely shows the bands of other agates; its patterns are the whole attraction. Like all Aqeeq, it sits at about 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale and is very durable.

Judging a Shajri Aqeeq

Value comes down to what is inside the stone:

• Sharpness - crisp, well-defined trees or moss against a clean, translucent background.
• Composition - a balanced scene that fills the face nicely, not a random clump at one edge.
• Colour - green moss is the classic; bold black dendrites in clear stone are also popular.
• Finish and size - a high polish, no cracks and a larger stone all add value.

Every stone is priced on its own, and the per-carat rate is price divided by carat weight.

Sources

India is the best-known source of moss agate, with more from the United States and elsewhere. If we know a stone's origin, the listing says so.

Natural pattern or painted?

Since every natural dendrite pattern is unique, fakes are not hard to catch. Be wary of:

• Patterns that sit on the surface instead of inside the stone.
• The same design repeated across several stones.
• Glass that warms quickly in the hand or shows round bubbles.

Hold the stone to the light and tilt it: natural moss appears at different depths. Our authenticity page explains how we check each piece.

Tradition and belief

Aqeeq of every kind is respected in Islamic and South Asian tradition, and Shajri Aqeeq in particular is associated with calm, growth and blessing. It is usually set in silver and is popularly called a stone of nature and new beginnings. These are beliefs, not guaranteed effects, and men and women both wear it in rings and pendants.

Care

Mild soap and water is all it needs; keep harsh chemicals away.

Ordering from Authentic Gems

You get the exact stone in the photos. Orders go by insured, tracked courier for a flat Rs. 500: Karachi usually 1 to 2 working days, other major cities 2 to 4, smaller towns up to about 7. Pay Cash on Delivery after checking the stone, and return it unused within 7 days if it is not right. For advice on a silver setting, message us on WhatsApp.