1.78 Ct. Cabochon Kornerupine from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

From the moment this kornerupine first formed deep within the ancient rocks of Ceylon, now Sri Lanka, it began a long and quiet journey that carries the memory of time and place. Mineral rich fluids threaded through fissures in metamorphic beds, and under pressure and heat, this rare silicate crystalline structure took shape. Local miners, who have worked these storied hills for generations, recognized the subtle promise in rough pieces that glimmered with a muted greenish brown hue. In the hand of the finder this piece was more than a fragment, it was a potential heirloom, a small chunk of the island landscape transformed into something that would one day catch and hold the light. The Natural Gemstone Company values that origin story, because provenance matters, and because a gem that begins its life in the soils of Ceylon carries both geological heritage and a human story of craft and care.

Cutting this stone required sensitivity and vision, because kornerupine can reveal its best character when left to suggest rather than to glare. The cutter selected an oval outline, and brought the gem to a soft cabochon form, preserving the semi translucent nature that allows the inner tones to breathe. The finished weight of 1.78 carat sits comfortably in the palm, while the dimensions of 8.43 by 5.93 by 4.12 mm create a presence that is modest and confident. At eye level the clarity reads as very very slightly included, which in practice means that small natural features nestle within the body of the gem, reassuring because they confirm the stone is natural, and adding depth because they act as subtle markers of its journey. The medium intense greenish brown color has been coaxed to life by the skillful doming of the cabochon, and the excellent polish produces a gentle sheen rather than a mirror flash, a finish that invites close looking and quiet admiration. No enhancement has been applied, so what you see is the stone as it was formed and as it was refined by hand.

There is a poetry to matching this kornerupine with other gemstones, and the suggestion of White Opal as a companion is deliberate. A White Opal will bring a soft, pearly backdrop that plays off the kornerupine, highlighting its earthy green brown tones while adding a cool, luminous contrast. Together they can create jewelry that balances warmth with misty light, an effect that works equally well in a pendant worn near the heart, or in a ring that catches light from different angles. The oval cabochon shape lends itself to bezel settings, where the smooth edge frames the stone and the polish can be admired from above. For those who value stories, a kornerupine from Ceylon paired with a White Opal suggests both place and poetry, linking the tropical geology of Sri Lanka with the dreamlike iridescence of opal, and creating a piece that feels curated rather than manufactured.

When you choose this kornerupine from The Natural Gemstone Company you are taking home not only a finely worked gemstone, but also an ethical piece of history. We guarantee that this gem is natural, free from enhancement, and responsibly sourced from Ceylon, and we stand by our description of its qualities. To care for a cabochon kornerupine, avoid harsh chemicals and strong thermal shock, clean with warm water and mild soap, and store separately to prevent abrasion. If you would like the piece set for daily wear, consider a protective bezel and a durable metal that complements the warm green brown palette. Our team can provide guidance on settings, complementary stones such as White Opal, and shipping options that suit your needs. This kornerupine is more than a stone, it is a narrative you can carry, a small archive of earth, time, and human hands, waiting to become part of your own story.