0.72 Ct. Purple Spinel from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

One transparent 0.72 carat oval purple spinel, dimensions 6.45 x 4.85 x 2.80 millimeters, mixed brilliant faceting, clarity graded as very slightly included at eye level, medium color intensity, excellent polish, no enhancement, origin Ceylon Sri Lanka. The dimensions yield a length to width ratio of approximately 1.33, producing an elegant, classic oval outline that sits comfortably in a variety of settings, and a depth percentage of roughly 49.6 percent, a proportion that balances visual spread with optical depth. The mixed brilliant cut employed on this stone marries a brilliant-style crown with pavilion faceting optimized to promote strong scintillation and even light return across the entire table and crown facets. The table is well centered relative to the girdle, and the facet junctions are crisp, resulting in tight reflections and pronounced facet contrast that complement the stone’s medium purple saturation.

From a gemological and material standpoint this spinel exhibits properties that make it both durable and visually appealing for everyday wear. Spinel is isotropic with a refractive index in the range of approximately 1.712 to 1.718 and negligible birefringence, which contributes to the clean, direct window of color and the lively, symmetrical sparkle typical of well-cut spinel. Specific gravity around 3.6 and a Mohs hardness of 8 provide a robust working material for rings, pendants, and earrings, with a reduced risk of wear or abrasion compared to softer gems. Dispersion is modest, so the visual performance relies primarily on well-executed facet architecture and polish rather than fire; in this specimen the excellent polish enhances light return, producing crisp scintillation without unwanted windowing or extinction zones.

The color of this Ceylon spinel can be described in precise terms as a medium intensity purple with balanced tone and saturation, leaning neither to near-pale lavender nor to an overly dark violet. Under standard daylight-equivalent illumination the hue presents a stable, even distribution across the table and crown facets, and mixed brilliant faceting ensures consistent color face-up while allowing the pavilion angles to maximize internal reflection. Clarity evaluation at eye level shows very slight inclusions, which are minor and do not interrupt the visual flow or brilliance of the gem; these inclusions are typical of natural spinel and, in this case, have been oriented and minimized during cutting so they remain inconspicuous under normal viewing. The untreated status, explicitly no enhancement, preserves the original crystal chemistry and color mechanisms, an important factor for collectors who prioritize natural state gems.

At The Natural Gemstone Company we place equal emphasis on ethical sourcing and traceable provenance as we do on lapidary excellence. This spinel is sourced from Sri Lanka, a historic locality for gem-quality spinels whose deposits are commonly worked by artisanal and small-scale miners. Our procurement practices include direct relationships with vetted supply partners, documentation of origin supplied by local handlers, and selection criteria that prioritize labor standards, environmental stewardship, and responsible mining practices. For the conscious consumer, the combination of traceable origin, no-treatment declaration, and transparent handling from mine to market means this 0.72 carat oval spinel fits seamlessly into an ethically minded collection. Design and setting recommendations include a low-profile four-prong or bezel setting for daily wear, or a three-stone halo to enhance perceived size without obscuring the mixed-brilliant facet play. For bespoke work, our lapidary collaborators can advise on complementary metals and accent stones to maximize color contrast, for example cool-toned white metals or small melee diamonds to increase perceived brightness.