Heating and dyeing are both common with red agate, and neither is a scandal. They are how much of the colour in the market is achieved or improved. The sensible approach is to expect it, ask about it, and pay a price that suits an agate. If a seller insists a deep red agate is entirely unenhanced, ask how they know.

For this stone, we will pass on what we know. Message us on WhatsApp and quote AG-RE-0019. If you want a written answer before buying, independent lab testing is your choice, and you are welcome to keep any report with the stone for a family gift or later resale.

What we can state without doubt: a natural Surkh Aqeeq of 22.40 carats, hardness 6.5 to 7 Mohs. It is a substantial piece for a gents' ring, and we would pair it with a thick silver bezel.

When it arrives, give it a proper look in daylight. On a stone this size, an even red and a smooth, glossy polish across the whole face are the two things that separate a good piece from an ordinary one. Run a fingertip around the edge too; there should be no chips.

See other weights in the red agate category. If the stone is not what you expected, the 7-day return window applies.

Before you choose, read our red agate guide.

We send it Cash on Delivery, so you inspect it before paying. Karachi typically 1–2 working days, other cities 2–4.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural red agate with a weight of 22.4 Carat. Its price is Rs. 3,380 — roughly Rs. 151 for each carat. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference AG-RE-0019 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.