3.70 Ct. Cabochon Chrysoberyl from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

This specimen is a transparent, round shape chrysoberyl, weighing 3.70 carat, with precise dimensions of 7.90 x 7.89 x 6.15 mm, presented in a classic cabochon profile, originating from Ceylon Sri Lanka, with no enhancement. The stone exhibits a yellowish brown hue with vivid color intensity, and an eye clean clarity grade as evaluated at eye level, indicating the absence of inclusions visible to the unaided eye under normal inspection. The combination of transparency and vivid saturation is a desirable and relatively uncommon expression in cabochon chrysoberyl, where color and light transmission must be balanced with the internal structure that produces chatoyancy. The Natural Gemstone Company confirms the unenhanced status of this material, and describes the visual character as a warm, olive to honey influenced yellow brown that remains strong and evenly distributed across the dome, without zoning or localized color concentration that would detract from light return.

The cut and finishing emphasize optical precision and lapidary control, with a symmetrical dome and carefully aligned axis to maximize chatoyancy and luster. The cabochon profile maintains a moderate to high dome height that concentrates the single, sharp, silvery cat eye band centrally along the crown, indicating that needle like inclusions responsible for the optic are well oriented and closely spaced. Under directional lighting the stone shows a single, well defined chatoyant band that translates cleanly across the surface without dispersion or multiple fragmented bands, a sign of high quality alignment of the internal acicular features. Polish quality is excellent, producing a glassy, reflective surface that enhances both bodycolor and the cat eye effect, while minimizing surface diffraction and softening of the band. The stone’s optical and physical characteristics are consistent with chrysoberyl, including a refractive index range approximately 1.746 to 1.755, low birefringence around 0.008 to 0.010, specific gravity approximately 3.73 to 3.78, and a Mohs hardness near 8.5, factors that together explain the stone’s durability and capacity to take a fine, high luster polish that preserves the integrity of the chatoyant phenomenon.

From a practical and connoisseur perspective this 3.70 carat Ceylon chrysoberyl is well suited for an oriented, vertically set cabochon mount that presents the cat eye band in a consistent manner when the piece is viewed under normal overhead illumination, a common approach used to display the band as a defining design element. Bezel settings that follow the profile of the dome provide secure protection for the edges while maintaining the stone’s optical axis, and an open or translucent back may be employed in specific design contexts to modulate bodycolor, though the strongest cat eye effect for this specimen is achieved with light directed across the dome, perpendicular to the band. The absence of enhancement, combined with eye clean clarity and vivid color intensity, places this piece in a premium collector category among chrysoberyls from Ceylon, where provenance, natural state, and lapidary execution contribute materially to market desirability. The Natural Gemstone Company stands behind the documented origin and treatment statements for this gem, and can provide additional technical documentation or high resolution imaging upon request to assist in design planning, valuation, or certification processes.