0.46 Ct. Spinel from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

This parcel presents a single transparent greenish blue spinel weighing 0.46 carat, cut to an oval outline with precise dimensions of 5.52 millimeters by 4.43 millimeters by 2.64 millimeters, and finished as a mixed brilliant to balance color saturation and light return. The length to width ratio is approximately 1.25 to 1, yielding a classic oval silhouette that sits well in a range of mounting styles. The measured depth corresponds to approximately 47.8 percent of the length dimension, a proportion that indicates an efficient use of material for optimum optical performance in a mixed configuration. The cutter employed a mixed brilliant strategy, with a faceted crown composed of modified brilliant facets to maximize scintillation, and a pavilion executed with step influenced facets to preserve color and avoid windowing, thereby delivering a lively face up appearance while maintaining depth of tone.

Color is a dominant attribute of this stone, evaluated at vivid intensity with a balanced greenish blue hue that exhibits strong saturation and medium dark tone, attributes that are highly desirable in spinel from Ceylon. The origin of this spinel is Sri Lanka, where classic crystalline growth conditions often yield clean, saturated material. Spinel is singly refractive and isotropic, with a refractive index range typically between 1.712 and 1.718, and a dispersion in the order of 0.018, which produces a modest but pleasing fire when cut precisely. Specific gravity for spinel normally falls near 3.60, and Mohs hardness is approximately 7.5 to 8.0, factors that contribute to the durability of this gem for daily wear when set with appropriate protection for the girdle and corners. The gem is untreated, with no enhancement, which preserves the natural color chemistry and internal texture that collectors and connoisseurs seek.

Clarity is graded as slightly included at eye level, a clarity tier that indicates minor internal features are observable to the naked eye but do not detract from overall beauty or structural integrity. The internal characteristics consist of fine pinpoint crystal inclusions distributed in a subtle pattern, occasional small negative crystal cavities that catch light differently from the host material, and minute feathering that is stable and well healed. These features act as a unique internal fingerprint, documenting the stones natural formation process and providing reliable markers for provenance and identification. Under magnification the inclusions form patterns that are consistent with natural spinel growth from Ceylon, and they contribute to the gems individuality by producing localized variations in light scattering and color depth that change with viewing angle and lighting.

Craftsmanship is evident in the excellent polish and considered facet architecture, which together yield crisp facet junctions and consistent facet symmetry across the pavilion and crown. The mixed brilliant approach was selected to maximize apparent size, retain vivid color, and create attractive scintillation without sacrificing stability, and the result is a gem that sits evenly in the table plane and returns light with controlled brilliance and flashes. For setting, the oval shape and proportions recommend a four or six prong setting that secures the girdle while allowing the crown facets to interact with light, and a bezel setting will emphasize the saturated color for a more modern presentation. The Natural Gemstone Company stands behind the gems natural origin and untreated status, and we can assist with additional photographic views, gemological documentation, and bespoke mounting advice to ensure this greenish blue Ceylon spinel is showcased to best effect.