Message #39436

[George]

It could be Onyx that is color treated by boiling with a sugar solution then sulphuric acid. Since this treatment isn't very deep any attempt to remove any part of the treated surface would result in removing that treated surface completely.

Black agate and Yemeni agate is liked in Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, and Middle East due to religious or spiritual or myths or whatever.

Some facts about the black agates which are sold in these markets via Gemological Institute of Pakistan revealed that it is either black glass which is also sold in the name of Black tourmaline and also a Dyed brownish type agate which looks black agate in ordinary light.

I read that most of this stuff comes from china in cut and polished form to Iran and Pakistan. Then Iran and Pakistan dealers spread this stuff in different markets.