Dur-e-Najaf: Clear Rock Crystal

Dur-e-Najaf means the pearl of Najaf. The stone itself is rock crystal: colourless, transparent quartz. Its traditional source is the area around Najaf in Iraq, and that link gives the stone its special standing among many Muslim families, especially in Shia tradition, where it is often worn in a silver ring on the right hand.

Clear quartz is found in many countries, including Pakistan's northern areas. Origin cannot be seen with the eye, and we only describe a stone as from Najaf when we know that to be true.

Quartz or glass?

This is the most common question, and a fair one. Clear glass imitations are everywhere. A few signs help:

• Quartz feels cold against your lip and stays cool longer than glass.
• Glass often shows round gas bubbles under a loupe; quartz shows angular inclusions, fine needles or none at all.
• Quartz is hard, 7 on the hardness scale, so it resists scratches that would mark glass.

A lab can confirm in minutes using a refractometer. Our returns policy covers any stone a lab finds is not as we described.

When choosing, look for real transparency, like still water. Faint wisps or tiny feathers are natural; heavy cracks are not. Faceted ovals sparkle, while smooth cabochons give a soft, watery glow that many prefer for traditional rings.

Rock crystal is tough and easy to wear every day. Set it in a bezel or claws, and clean it with soapy water so skin oils do not dull its brilliance. Polish lasts for years.