Surkh Aqeeq is both the trade and everyday name for red agate in Pakistan, and it carries a long tradition. Aqeeq rings and tasbeeh beads pass from father to son in many families, and red aqeeq is linked in popular belief with courage. That is belief, not a promise, but it explains why the name still sells stones faster than any technical description.

This one weighs 18.85 carats. It is a natural stone, 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, and at this size it belongs in a broad gents' ring or on a pendant.

Red agate is often heated or dyed to strengthen its colour. Message us on WhatsApp quoting AG-RE-0016 and we will tell you what we know about this one.

When the parcel arrives, open it in front of the courier and look at the stone properly before you pay. That is exactly what Cash on Delivery is for, and the flat Rs. 500 delivery covers the whole order however many stones are in it.

Other sizes are on our red agate shelf, and the red agate buying guide explains what to look for.

Karachi orders usually arrive in 1–2 working days, other cities in 2–4, and returns are open for 7 days.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural red agate with a weight of 18.85 Carat. Its price is Rs. 3,750 — roughly Rs. 199 for each carat. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference AG-RE-0016 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 red 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 red 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 red 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): Red agate is often heated or dyed to deepen its colour. 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.