0.95 Ct. Cabochon Chrysoberyl from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

This translucent greenish yellow chrysoberyl is a small jewel with a vast story, offered by The Natural Gemstone Company. At 0.95 carat and presented in an elegant oval shape, its measurements are 4.54 x 5.24 x 3.77 mm, and its cabochon cut lends the gem a domed silhouette that is at once ancient and refined. The color reads as a serene greenish yellow with medium intensity, an expression of light and life rather than a shout of saturated tone. Clarity is very very slightly included as evaluated at eye level, evidence of natural formation without detracting from the gem presence. The polish is excellent, giving the surface an even, mirror like finish that flatters the cabochon form. This chrysoberyl is untreated, no enhancement, and its origin in Ceylon Sri Lanka ties the piece to a centuries long legacy of gemstones sought by kings and collectors. In a single small stone one can trace the currents of history that make classic gemstones timeless, and this gem is a quiet statement of that enduring appeal.

The secret of the gem sparkle lies in the mineral structure of chrysoberyl and in the choice of a cabochon cut to reveal its optical gifts. Chrysoberyl crystallizes in the orthorhombic system, a rigid framework that supports a relatively high refractive index and a fine degree of luster. Light that enters the stone is bent and channeled by that crystalline order, and because chrysoberyl is hard and compact it can reflect light from internal planes with a clarity that finer but softer gems cannot sustain. When fine, parallel inclusions or fibrous growth are present and the stone is fashioned as a smooth dome, those elements act like a microscopic mirror array and produce a narrow band of reflected light known as a cat eye or chatoyancy. The band that traverses this stone is a clear white sash that moves and breathes as the gem or the wearer moves, an optical phenomenon that cannot be replicated by faceting alone. The translucent body allows for gentle diffusion of light, so the eye of the stone is not merely a surface effect but an internal beam that appears to float within the gem, giving a depth and dynamism that draws the eye again and again.

Beyond the physics, the hand of the cutter and the quality of the finish are what transform raw potential into wearable heritage. The cabochon profile of this oval chrysoberyl is proportioned to maximize the chatoyant band, with a dome height of 3.77 mm that balances presence and comfort for settings in rings, pendants, or earrings. The excellent polish is more than cosmetic, it sharpens the contrast between the silky interior sheen and the reflective skin of the surface so that the eye is always led to the moving light. For collectors who value provenance, the Ceylon origin matters deeply, as Sri Lankan chrysoberyls have been prized since antiquity for both their color and their optical effects. The absence of enhancement ensures that the stone carries its natural history intact, a pure conversation between geology and human craft. On the hand in the reference images the gem reads as both delicate and assured, small enough to be refined, and luminous enough to anchor a classic design. At The Natural Gemstone Company we place such stones within a lineage of pieces meant to be worn, cared for, and passed along, honoring both the material and the story that accompanies it.

For those who consider pairing gemstones, White Opal offers a beautiful counterpoint to this chrysoberyl, and it is worth a few notes. White Opal is characterized by a creamy or milky body color that can display flashes of play of color across its surface, the phenomenon for which opals are celebrated. Where chrysoberyl offers a controlled, banded light that moves with purpose, White Opal provides a scattered, kaleidoscopic shimmer that evokes water and sky. Set together, the cool milky field of a White Opal can make the greenish yellow of the chrysoberyl sing, and the two stones create a dialogue between steady chatoyancy and lively iridescence. Caring for these stones is straightforward, but informed care keeps their beauty intact, clean them gently with warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush, avoid prolonged exposure to harsh chemicals or extreme heat, and have settings inspected regularly to protect the cabochon form. If you would like assistance imagining this chrysoberyl paired with a White Opal in a bespoke design, or if you wish to discuss mounting options that will best showcase the moving eye, contact The Natural Gemstone Company and we will guide you with both technical knowledge and a reverence for the timeless.