Aqeeq is one of the oldest stone names in Pakistani homes, and Kala Aqeeq, the black variety, is often given as a gift or worn by people who follow the tradition of protective stones. We present that as custom and belief, not as a promise of any effect.

This piece is the biggest in this run of black agates: a natural stone of 19.80 carats. Like almost all black agate, its colour comes from dyeing, which the trade treats as standard. The Mohs hardness is 6.5 to 7, so it wears well when properly set.

Size and use

At nearly twenty carats it is a substantial stone for a gents' ring, usually set in a broad silver bezel that protects the edge. It looks best on a broad hand; if you have slim fingers, ask us for a photo beside a coin before deciding, and we will give an honest opinion on whether the size suits you.

Quote AG-BL-0025 on WhatsApp to ask about this exact stone. Our black agate buying guide explains more, and the black agate category lists other sizes.

Ordering is Cash on Delivery: see it, then pay. Karachi usually receives orders in 1–2 working days, other cities in 2–4, and 7-day returns apply.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural black agate with a weight of 19.8 Carat. Its price is Rs. 3,750 — roughly Rs. 189 for each carat. Origin: Pakistan. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference AG-BL-0025 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 black 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 black 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 black agate for those three points before it is listed, 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. No lab report yet; independent testing welcome. As general background (not a statement about this stone): Black agate is almost always dyed — it is standard for the stone. 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.