13.79 Ct. Brownish Green Cabochon Chrysoberyl from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

This specimen is a 13.79 carat oval brownish green chrysoberyl, presented as a classic cabochon with dimensions of 13.18 by 12.52 by 8.74 millimeters. The material is translucent with an intense color saturation that reads as a balanced blend of olive and brown green, and it displays an eye clean clarity when evaluated at normal viewing distance. The cut is a smooth domed cabochon executed to excellent polish standards, and the surface presents a finely finished reflective field that accentuates the optical effect. There are no enhancements, the gem is natural in all aspects, and provenance is Ceylon Sri Lanka, a locality with a long history of producing high quality chrysoberyl. The Natural Gemstone Company presents this piece with full disclosure of its attributes so that assessment of value and suitability for setting can proceed on the basis of verifiable specifications.

The defining optical phenomenon is strong chatoyancy, commonly referred to as the cats eye effect, and it is manifest here as a single, well defined band of light that traverses the dome. This band is bright and narrowly focused, the result of numerous parallel, fine needle like or fibrous inclusions aligned within the chrysoberyl structure. As light strikes the dome the band appears to glide smoothly across the surface, concentrating as a sharp streak when viewed under a single point light source and softening slightly under diffuse illumination. The contrast between the luminous white band and the underlying brownish green body color is pronounced, and because the cabochon is well centered the band bisects the stone symmetrically, an indicator of skilled orientation of the rough during cutting. The overall effect is optical clarity and movement, a visual behavior that remains distinct even though the body of the gem remains translucent rather than fully transparent.

When placed in the context of historically famous gemstones this chrysoberyl should be understood by attribute rather than by celebrity. For optical phenomena, the Star of India is often cited for its dramatic asterism in sapphire, and this chrysoberyl rivals that appeal in its own domain by offering a single, crisp line of light that commands attention in much the same way. For color rarity and the premium collectors place on unusual hues, the Hope Diamond represents an extreme example of how color can define desirability, and this brownish green tone is similarly notable within the chrysoberyl group because intense, evenly distributed color together with eye clean clarity is uncommon. Within the chrysoberyl family, alexandrite is historically prized for its color change, and while this stone does not exhibit that behavior it shares the same species level durability and refractive characteristics that make chrysoberyl a practical and enduring choice. The combination of size, intense color, sharp chatoyancy, and lack of enhancement gives this cabochon a distinctive position relative to other famed gems that are known either for optical spectacle or for color intensity.

From a practical and curatorial perspective this cabochon offers measurable advantages. Chrysoberyl rates about 8.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness, providing resilience for a variety of jewelry applications where daily wear is anticipated. The eye clean internal field and excellent polish allow the cat eye band to remain the visual focus without distraction from peripheral inclusions. The unenhanced origin from Ceylon increases its appeal to collectors who prioritize natural state material, and the 13.79 carat weight in an oval cabochon format is substantial for cymophane type chrysoberyl. When mounted, the optical band will be most effective when oriented to align with the light source so that the band bisects the observer line of sight, and settings that protect the domed surface while exposing the band to light will best display the phenomenon. The Natural Gemstone Company documents these characteristics to support informed acquisition and to underscore the gem inherent qualities that justify its consideration for fine jewelry or a focused mineral collection.