15.40 Ct. Smokey Quartz from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

This single, transparent 15.40 carat oval brown smokey quartz from Ceylon, Sri Lanka represents a genuinely premium gem offering, combining substantial weight with exceptional gemological attributes. The stone measures 22.15 x 16.05 x 7.33 mm, a size that is substantial for faceted quartz and ideal for a statement ring or pendant. Cut in a mixed brilliant style, the faceting has been executed to balance great surface sparkle with internal light return, which enhances both the stone s scintillation and its rich brown tone. The clarity has been evaluated at very very slightly included at eye level, a grade that indicates only minute inclusions that are difficult to see without magnification, preserving clean visual appeal and strong light performance. The polish is described as excellent, meaning that the pavilion and crown facets have been finished with precision to maximize luster and smooth light flow through the stone, and no enhancement has been applied, confirming that the intense color intensity is entirely natural to this specimen.

From a gemological perspective this smokey quartz displays attributes that matter to educated buyers, including refractive behavior and durability. Quartz typically shows a refractive index in the range of 1.544 to 1.553, and a specific gravity near 2.65, values that contribute to its substantial feel on the hand and predictable setting requirements. The brown color in genuine smokey quartz is commonly the result of natural irradiation affecting trace aluminum centers in the crystal lattice, in this case occurring in nature so the stone retains stable coloration without post mining treatments. The mixed brilliant cut has been chosen to optimize both brilliance and color saturation, allowing flashes of light to dance across the oval table while maintaining the depth of tone that gives the gem its character. For collectors and designers who prioritize natural provenance and untreated color, the fact that this gem is from Ceylon, a region with a long history of gem cutting and reliable supply, adds tangible provenance value.

The 15.40 carat weight of this oval smokey quartz elevates its desirability for several reasons, and this is where true value is realized. Quartzes are more abundant than many precious gems, yet finding a large specimen that combines intense color, eye clean clarity, and top quality polish is uncommon. At fifteen carats plus, the stone provides a bold visual presence and excellent versatility for bespoke jewelry commissions, whether set as a solitaire, surrounded by accent diamonds, or paired in a couture necklace design. Large, well cut quartz pieces also tend to display attractive light dynamics under different lighting conditions, so owners will notice the gem s appearance deepen in candlelight and become more lively in daylight. For buyers considering investment or long term enjoyment, the combination of size, natural intense color, high clarity, excellent polish, and untreated status from a reputable origin makes this gem a sensible choice that communicates quality to both connoisseurs and end clients.

In addition to the smokey quartz specifics, it is useful to note complementary stones and considerations for setting, particularly the White Opal type, which we reference as part of The Natural Gemstone Company s curated offerings. White Opal is an opal variety characterized by a light body color that ranges from translucent to opaque, often displaying a play of color that can include flashes of greens, reds, and blues depending on light incidence and viewing angle. White Opal is composed of hydrated silica with an internal structure of ordered silica spheres that diffract light, and it typically contains a water content in the range of three to ten percent. The contrast between the warm, consistent brown of a smokey quartz and the iridescent, shifting play of a White Opal can be especially appealing in paired designs, with the opal providing ephemeral color highlights against the stable, intense backdrop of the quartz. It is important to note that White Opal has lower hardness than quartz, so in mixed gemstone settings designers should protect the opal from hard knocks and chemical exposure, while the quartz provides strong resistance to scratching due to its higher hardness near seven on the Mohs scale.

When considering a purchase through The Natural Gemstone Company clients can expect detailed provenance information and support for custom design choices, along with professional advice about mounting options that protect and showcase the gem s qualities. For insurance and appraisal purposes we recommend an independent gemological report for high value pieces and we can assist in arranging documentation from recognized laboratories. Care instructions for the smokey quartz are straightforward, using warm soapy water and a soft brush for cleaning, while avoiding prolonged exposure to strong acids or extreme heat to maintain polish and color. If you are designing a piece that includes White Opal with this smokey quartz, take into account the opal s sensitivity to heat and sudden dehydration during setting procedures, and consider bezel or protective settings for the opal. This 15.40 carat brown smokey quartz, with its mixed brilliant cut, very very slightly included clarity, intense natural color, excellent polish, no enhancements, and Sri Lankan origin, represents a premium, museum worthy choice for collectors, bespoke jewelers, and discerning clients seeking a combination of size, natural beauty, and responsible sourcing.