4.30 Ct. Cabochon Agate from India

This specimen from The Natural Gemstone Company is a translucent orange agate, weighing 4.30 carat, presented in an oval outline with finished dimensions of 11.35 by 9.86 by 4.96 millimeters, prepared as a cabochon cut to emphasize internal color and texture. The dome displays an intense orange hue with uniform saturation across the crown, and an excellent polish that produces a smooth, mirror like reflective surface on the cap. Clarity is graded very slightly included, evaluated at eye level, with a few discrete dark, dendritic type inclusions confined near the upper quadrant of the dome, these inclusions provide contrasting character without disrupting the overall visual flow or translucency. Enhancement is by dyeing, a standard and stable treatment for agates sourced from India, applied to amplify the natural orange tone and produce the vivid, even color intensity evident in the stone.

From a gemological perspective this agate is chalcedony in the microcrystalline quartz family, with expected refractive index values near 1.53 to 1.54, and a specific gravity in the vicinity of 2.60, consistent with silica based chalcedony varieties. Mohs hardness is approximately 6.5 to 7.0, which permits everyday wear when set with appropriate protection, but requires caution against sharp impacts and abrasive contact. The cabochon form enhances translucency by presenting a continuous refractive path through the dome, producing an internal glow and soft diffusion of light rather than faceted scintillation, and the excellent polish maximizes surface luster and visual depth. The dyeing enhancement has been executed to penetrate color into the microstructure, yielding stable saturation under normal light exposure, however prolonged exposure to high temperature or aggressive solvents can alter the appearance, therefore professional cleaning recommendations are conservative.

Craftsmanship considerations for setting and long term care are straightforward, the oval cabochon proportions and low profile height lend themselves well to bezel settings where the metal rim protects the girdle and secures the stone while preserving the visual plane of the dome. For rings, pendants and brooches a protective metal surround is preferred, for earrings a two prong or full bezel mount will minimize stress at the mount points, and for designers seeking to accent the natural dendritic markings, an open back setting with a dark foil or contrasting metal backing will enhance the internal contrast and depth. We advise cleaning with warm soapy water and a soft brush, avoiding steam and ultrasonic cleaners when dyeing is present, and avoiding exposure to strong acids and prolonged heat. For further technical data, imaging at magnifications, or custom mounting options, The Natural Gemstone Company can provide detailed photography, handling guidelines and assistance in selecting complementary metals and settings to showcase the intense orange tone and the cabochon shaped profile, ensuring the gem performs well in the finished piece and retains its visual character over years of wear.