1.38 Ct. Pinkish Purple Spinel from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

From the moment this spinel was born in the mineral-rich soils of Ceylon, now Sri Lanka, its journey was guided by geology and the hands of those who know how to coax beauty from stone. I picture the early mornings on the gem terraces, the careful sieving of alluvial gravels, the flash of color that would stop a miner in his tracks. Spinel has a storied history in the island s gem trade, often historically admired alongside rubies, and this piece carries that legacy in its veins. When the rough arrived at the cutter s bench, we chose a cushion shape and a mixed brilliant faceted design to honor the gemstone s natural pinkish purple hue and to maximize its lively internal fire. The cutter worked with a patient eye, leaving an excellent polish that lets light dance through the stone, and preserving the very very slightly included clarity that proves this gem is a natural, untreated treasure.

As a finished gem, this transparent 1.38 carat cushion spinel measures 6.91 by 5.58 by 4.21 millimeters, with intense color intensity and no enhancement. Its mixed brilliant cut balances scintillation and depth, offering both lively flashes and a velvety wash of pinkish purple that is rare and compelling. On the Mohs scale of hardness, spinel rates at 8, which I like to compare this way, diamond sits at 10, corundum which includes sapphire and ruby is 9, and quartz is 7. That places this spinel well above common gem materials in durability, making it a very suitable choice for everyday wear, especially in rings and bracelets, while still encouraging sensible care, such as avoiding hard knocks and storing it separately to prevent abrasion. With a clarity grade described as very very slightly included when evaluated at eye level, and with the excellent polish achieved by our cutter, this gem reflects both natural provenance and artisanal care. At The Natural Gemstone Company we celebrate such stones because they tell a full story from earth to setting, and this Ceylon spinel is ready to become the centerpiece of a bespoke ring or a cherished heirloom pendant. Please contact us if you would like to learn more about its origins, request detailed photos, or discuss setting options.