1.30 Ct. Greenish Blue Spinel from Burma (Myanmar)

This lot presents a transparent 1.30 carat cushion shape greenish blue spinel, precisely measured at 6.58 by 6.55 by 3.48 millimeters. The stone exhibits a dark color intensity with a greenish blue hue that reads richer from the pavilion and more teal in the crown due to the interaction of color saturation and facet geometry. Cut as a mixed brilliant, the pavilion and crown geometry are executed to balance return of light against color saturation, and the finished depth of 3.48 millimeters represents approximately 53 percent of the average girdle diameter, a proportion chosen to enhance color depth while maintaining good light return. Clarity is graded slightly included at eye level, indicating small internal features visible to an experienced observer without magnification, and the surface condition is described as excellent polish, which minimizes surface scattering and preserves crisp facet junctions. The stone is heat treated and originates from Burma, a provenance that has historically produced spinels with stable, saturated tones. All specifications are documented by The Natural Gemstone Company for transparency and precise evaluation.

The mixed brilliant cut in this cushion form is central to how the gem presents light and color. In this execution, the crown carries a layout of kite and triangular facets that operate on refracted light entering the table, dispersing rays toward the pavilion facets which are configured to return that light toward the viewer rather than allow leakage through the girdle. Given spinel s refractive index range near 1.72 and its relatively low dispersion, facet angles are selected to approach the material s critical angles for total internal reflection, producing strong return of white light and controlled scintillation rather than excessive spectral fire. The cushion outline, with its softened corners, widens the apparent visual surface area of the table while permitting a deeper pavilion geometry, which deepens perceived color. For a spinel with dark color intensity, this approach concentrates the available light within the stone so the viewer perceives a dense, saturated body color and discrete flashes of brilliance as the gem is moved, a behavior that highlights depth and richness more than brash fire.

Clarity and finishing nuances also play a specific role in optical performance. The slightly included clarity, evaluated at eye level, indicates inclusions are present but limited in size and quantity, and in most orientations they are masked by facet reflections and the darker body tone. Inclusions can sometimes act as internal reflectors, creating localized contrast, but in this example the mixed brilliant facet architecture is arranged to minimize the perceptibility of such features while preserving transparency. The excellent polish is critical on a dark, high saturation stone, because any microabrasions or polish haze would scatter light at the surface and reduce the apparent saturation and depth. The disclosed heat treatment is a stable and commonly applied enhancement for spinel, used to homogenize color and reduce zonal growth features, and it does not adversely affect hardness or wearability. With a Mohs hardness near eight and a durable crystal structure, this Burmese spinel is suitable for daily wear in a variety of settings, though open prong or minimally obstructive bezel designs are recommended to maximize light entry and preserve the intended optical presentation.

Taken together, the combination of mixed brilliant faceting, cushion outline, measured depth proportion, excellent polish, and controlled clarity gives this 1.30 carat greenish blue spinel a specific optical character. Rather than producing abundant fire, the cut enhances the stone s inherent properties by optimizing internal reflection for high contrast and sustained color intensity, creating a velvety, three dimensional appearance with flashes of pinpoint scintillation along facet intersections. For applications in jewelry design, settings that allow unobstructed light from both the crown and pavilion will best showcase the engineered balance between color and light return. The Natural Gemstone Company documents the origin, treatment, and exact dimensions to assist gem collectors and designers in evaluating the piece for bespoke mounting or investment. If you require additional photographic angles, facet maps, or mounting recommendations to preserve the optical performance, we can provide those technical resources and guidance.