0.68 Ct. Spinel from Tanzania

This listing describes a single natural, transparent purplish pink spinel weighing 0.68 carat, cut to an emerald shape with exact dimensions of 5.23 x 3.99 x 3.74 millimeters. The stone exhibits an intense color intensity with a balanced purplish pink hue and very good color saturation, showing even distribution with no visible zoning. Clarity is graded as very slightly included, evaluated at eye level, and reflects the stone’s natural internal characteristics without detracting from its visual appeal. The emerald cut chosen for this spinel is a classical step-cut with a large open table, truncated corners and parallel stepped facets on the crown and pavilion, a faceting scheme that emphasizes color depth, clarity, and the characteristic hall-of-mirrors effect, rather than high dispersion scintillation. Polish is excellent, with crisply defined facet junctions and symmetric facet layout that optimize light return and surface reflectivity. Origin is Tanzania, and the gem is unenhanced, no enhancement, presenting its intrinsic color and clarity exactly as formed in nature.

From a gemological and technical standpoint this purplish pink spinel benefits from the intrinsic physical properties of spinel that make it both attractive and durable for everyday wear. Spinel typically has a refractive index around 1.718, negligible birefringence, a dispersion roughly 0.018, and a specific gravity near 3.60 to 3.64, combined with a Mohs hardness of approximately 8. These parameters mean the stone exhibits strong color saturation and relatively crisp facet definition for its RI, while being hard and resistant to abrasion compared to many other colored gemstones. The emerald cut accentuates depth and color rather than lively pinpoint brilliances, so the intense purplish pink hue reads strongly through the table and step facets, producing broad flashes of color and light rather than scintillation. Because this spinel is no enhancement, its color stability is inherent, avoiding concerns tied to treated material such as diffusion or unstable dyes.

Craftsmanship is evident in how the cutter balanced pavilion depth, table size and step angles to manage optical performance for this particular weight and proportions. At 5.23 x 3.99 x 3.74 mm, the stone displays a weight-to-size relationship consistent with spinel density and a well controlled pavilion that prevents windowing while preserving an attractive table surface. The step-cut geometry exposes clarity to the viewer, so the clarity grade follows a conservative, transparent evaluation method, very slightly included, evaluated at eye level, meaning inclusions are minimal and natural, and generally unobtrusive under normal viewing distances. The excellent polish indicates meticulous lapidary finishing, producing sharp facet edges and smooth facet planes that enhance contrast and allow the rich purplish pink to transmit clearly to the eye. For settings, the classic emerald cut pairs well with protective prongs or bezel treatments at the truncated corners to guard against edge impact, while the stone’s hardness gives confidence for frequent wear.

As presented by The Natural Gemstone Company this purplish pink Tanzanian spinel will continue to captivate over years and decades because of a confluence of material stability, considered cutting, and inherent beauty. Its untreated origin means the color is permanent under normal conditions and will not fade or alter through light exposure or routine cleaning, and the gem’s robust hardness and excellent polish will allow it to retain its finish with ordinary care, with periodic professional cleaning and inspection suggested to maintain the integrity of the setting. The emerald cut gives the gem a timeless architectural elegance that ages well, and its broad color planes will continue to convey depth and character as fashions change. For collectors and connoisseurs who appreciate technical refinement, the combination of intense natural color, precise step faceting, conservative clarity grading, and meticulous polish makes this 0.68 carat purplish pink spinel a piece whose visual and material qualities will remain compelling for generations.