Aqeeq is a form of agate, and stones from Yemen have been valued for generations, often worn as rings and engraved with calligraphy.
Natural aqeeq shows soft banding and colour that varies across the stone. Very even, intensely coloured pieces are often dyed.
Hold the stone to the light: natural aqeeq glows warmly at the edges, while dyed stones can look flat or show colour concentrated in cracks.