5.63 Ct. Cabochon Carnelian from Brazil

This offering is one beautiful translucent 5.63 carat pear shape reddish orange carnelian, with dimensions of 14.01 x 10.05 x 5.73 mm, presented as a classic cabochon cut. The stone displays an intense color intensity and an eye clean clarity grade evaluated at eye level, and the surface shows an excellent polish that gives a high luster across the dome. Origin is Brazil, and the material has been enhanced through dyeing, a standard and controlled treatment that improves color uniformity in carnelians. Opal type is White Opal. The Natural Gemstone Company presents this gem with full technical details to assist in design and appraisal decisions.

From a material science and lapidary perspective, carnelian is a microcrystalline variety of quartz in the chalcedony family, with an empirical hardness that typically ranges toward 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale. The cabochon shaping emphasizes the stone body instead of faceting, so cutter choices focused on dome height, symmetry, and surface continuity to maximize the perceptible saturation of the reddish orange tone. The pear outline is proportioned to the supplied dimensions to yield a pleasing length to width ratio that preserves face up weight and optimizes optical depth. Preforming and grinding steps used progressively finer abrasive laps, followed by sanding and a final polish with cerium oxide or tin oxide type compounds to achieve the mirror like finish evident in the images.

Color evaluation notes include a strong, evenly distributed reddish orange hue, consistent with well dyed Brazilian material, and a translucency level that allows transmitted light to enrich the perceived saturation when set in back lit orientations. Because dyeing is present, color stability considerations apply, and the dye is generally stable under normal wear but may be vulnerable to prolonged exposure to strong solvents, aggressive ultrasonic cleaning, and extreme thermal shock, so care during setting and maintenance is recommended. The eye clean clarity indicates absence of visible inclusions or fractures at standard viewing distance, which supports secure mounting without the need for reinforcement to mask internal features. The cabochon profile and flat to gently rounded base make this piece well suited to bezel settings and closed back mountings that protect the dye and preserve the polish while offering a secure seat for long term wear.

For practical use in jewelry and bespoke design, the 14.01 x 10.05 mm pear carnelian at 5.63 carat weight translates to a versatile component for pendants, statement rings, and drop style earrings, where the domed profile can be oriented to emphasize the apex or the broader shoulder depending on design intent. Bezel settings are recommended to protect the stone edges and base, and closed back designs will minimize exposure to chemicals and cleaning agents that could affect the dye. Pairing this carnelian with White Opal elements can create a striking contrast between the warm saturated carnelian body color and the milky opaline field, offering designers an opportunity to combine stable chalcedony with the visual play of opal body color. The Natural Gemstone Company will provide additional photos and handling guidance on request, and can advise on mounting techniques that preserve the enhancement and maximize the visual impact of this finely finished cabochon.