1.11 Ct. Greenish Yellow Cabochon Chrysoberyl from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

This specimen is a translucent 1.11 carat round greenish yellow chrysoberyl, presented in a cabochon form with precise dimensions of 7.15 x 6.66 x 2.57 mm. The stone exhibits an intense color saturation that reads evenly across the dome, and a clarity grade assessed as very slightly included at eye level. The cutting style is a classic cabochon, finished to an excellent polish that enhances the stone surface and the internal light dynamics. There are no recorded enhancements, and the material is sourced from Ceylon, Sri Lanka, a region known for producing chrysoberyl with fine optical characteristics. The overall presentation is intentionally restrained, focusing on the natural attributes of the gemstone rather than embellishment, and reflects the quality standards upheld by The Natural Gemstone Company.

The geometric character of this cabochon is central to its optical performance. Although it lacks traditional faceting, the cabochon exhibits a carefully controlled convex geometry, a symmetrical round dome, and a precise girdle profile that together function in a way analogous to geometric faceting for transparent stones. The curvature has been cut and polished to optimize the path of incident light, effectively directing illumination into the body of the stone and returning it to the observer as a lively visual response. This engineered dome geometry enables maximum light play by concentrating reflections and by providing a uniform surface over which internal structures can manifest as coherent optical phenomena. The result is a balance between surface reflection and internal transmission that allows the stone to read both color and light with clarity.

The defining optical feature of this chrysoberyl is its cat’s-eye effect, also known as chatoyancy, which is presented as a sharp, narrow band of light that travels across the dome when the stone or the light source is moved. This band is created by densely aligned, fine inclusions within the crystal that act as parallel reflective elements, and the cabochon geometry orients those inclusions so that they produce a single concentrated line of reflected light. In strong, directional lighting the band appears bright and well defined, bisecting the round surface in a clean path that contrasts with the surrounding yellow green body color. Under softer or diffused lighting the band becomes gentler and may broaden slightly, but it remains clearly visible due to the intense color and the excellent polish. The band maintains good centering on the dome, which is a direct consequence of the cutter’s attention to the stone’s internal alignment during the shaping process.

The interplay between color intensity and chatoyancy is particularly notable in this example. The greenish yellow hue is saturated enough to convey vivid tone without obscuring the cat’s-eye, so the band of light reads distinctly against the body color while also being influenced by subtle shifts in hue as the stone is rotated. The very slight inclusions that inform the chatoyancy do not detract from overall transparency at this size, and they are in fact the mechanism that produces the effect collectors and connoisseurs prize. The excellent polish enhances the crispness of the line, while the dome profile ensures consistent visibility of the band from multiple viewing angles. For jewelry applications this balance supports both visual impact and durability, as the cabochon form reduces the number of vulnerable facet edges while maximizing the optical presence of the stone.

Provenance, treatment status, and practical considerations are equally important when evaluating a gem of this type. This chrysoberyl is natural, untreated, and sourced from Ceylon, Sri Lanka, which informs both its geological pedigree and its visual character. The compact dimensions and manageable weight of 1.11 carat make it suitable for a range of settings, particularly those that showcase the round cabochon face and allow directional light to reveal the cat’s-eye band. Settings with a minimal bezel or open gallery can enhance the optical performance, while secure mounting should be prioritized to protect the polished dome. Routine care consists of gentle cleaning with mild detergent and a soft brush, avoiding ultrasonic cleaning in cases where inclusions could be stressed by vibration. The Natural Gemstone Company documents and guarantees the natural origin and untreated status of this stone, and the accompanying description is intended to provide a clear, factual account of its material and optical properties for informed selection and design.