1.16 Ct. Brownish Orange Spinel from Burma (Myanmar)

From the storied mining valleys of Burma Myanmar this 1.16 carat cushion shape spinel began its journey as a small, shimmering pocket of color hidden in the earth. Our local partners brought the rough to light, and our master cutters at The Natural Gemstone Company read the stone like a map, following internal planes and color zoning to reveal a balanced faceted form. The result is a 7.05 x 6.11 x 3.54 mm cushion, cut in a mixed brilliant style, polished to an excellent finish, and free of any enhancement. At eye level the clarity is very slightly included, which lends character without interrupting the transparent clarity of the gem. The intense brownish orange body color is warm and sophisticated, and the facet arrangement was chosen to maximize both depth of color and lively scintillation, so the stone appears to breathe with light as it moves from hand to hand.

When you compare reflective qualities within its category, this Burmese spinel stands out for its sharp, mirror like facet reflections and steady scintillation. Spinel has a strong vitreous luster and an isotropic crystal structure, which produces crisp flashes rather than the dispersed spectral fire seen in diamonds. Compared with corundum species such as ruby and sapphire, spinel offers a similarly bright, lively appearance, with reflection patterns that feel more immediate and clean due to its lack of birefringence. Against garnet or topaz, this spinel shows crisper facet contrast and a more controlled brilliance. For a contrasting note, a Fire Opal is an opal type prized for its warm orange body color and internal glow, often translucent to transparent and sometimes displaying play of color. Where a Fire Opal seduces with inner fire and diffuse luminescence, this Burmese spinel charms with precise facet driven light, intense uniform color, and a polished surface that reflects like a small jewel of sunset. This gem is ready to be set into a ring or pendant, confident in both durability and visual impact, and it comes to you with the provenance and care you expect from The Natural Gemstone Company.