Be gentle with hematite. At 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale it is softer than a steel blade and clearly softer than quartz, which means the fine grit in a trouser pocket will slowly dull its shine. In a ring worn with some thought it does well; as a pendant it will last even longer.

This stone weighs 13.15 carats. It is natural hematite, the mineral Urdu speakers know as hadeed, and you can compare it with its neighbours in our hematite listings. The first thing you will notice in your hand is the heft, since it feels weightier than most stones of a similar size.

On treatments: hematite is usually sold as found, but the market also has a magnetic imitation called hematine. Message us on WhatsApp quoting AG-HE-0005 and we will tell you what we know about this exact stone.

Cleaning is easy. Lukewarm water, a drop of mild soap and a soft cloth, then dry it at once. Wrap it separately from harder gems and never put it in an ultrasonic or steam cleaner. Our gemstone care guide has more habits worth picking up.

There is no prepayment. Open the parcel when it arrives, check the stone, then pay the rider. Karachi usually takes 1 to 2 working days, Lahore, Islamabad and other cities 2 to 4, and you have 7 days to return it unused.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural hematite with a weight of 13.15 Carat. Its price is Rs. 1,880 — roughly Rs. 143 for each carat. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference AG-HE-0005 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 hematite rates 5.5 to 6.5. That makes it soft for a gemstone, better suited to pendants, earrings and rings for special occasions than to a daily ring. Keep it away from perfume, cleaning products, steam and ultrasonic cleaners, and polish it with a dry, soft cloth after wear.

Whoever you buy hematite 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 hematite 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): Natural hematite is usually untreated (beware magnetic "hematine", a man-made imitation). 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.