1.40 Ct. Grey Spinel from Burma (Myanmar)

This offering is a single transparent cushion shape grey spinel of 1.40 carats, with calibrated dimensions of 7.16 by 5.80 by 4.53 millimeters, cut in a mixed brilliant style to balance weight retention with optimized light performance, clarity evaluated as slightly included at eye level, color intensity classified as intense, and an excellent polish, with no enhancement reported and provenance from Burma Myanmar. The measured pavilion depth relative to the average of the length and width yields a depth ratio of approximately seventy percent, a proportion that is consistent with traditional cushion designs that favor a slightly deeper profile to enrich color saturation while maintaining a broad table aperture for controlled brilliance. The slightly included clarity grade denotes the presence of small, stable internal features that do not compromise structural integrity or the gemological character when viewed without magnification, and the excellent polish confirms that facet junctions are clean and free from surface deterioration, maximizing the stone's ability to transmit and return light.

From a faceting and optical engineering perspective the mixed brilliant execution on this cushion spinel deploys a brilliant style crown paired with a pavilion featuring modified step and brilliant facets, a configuration chosen to enhance scintillation and create a complex interplay of dark and light patterning that complements the intense grey tone. Spinel is an isotropic mineral belonging to the cubic crystal system, therefore it exhibits no birefringence and no pleochroism, and the typical refractive index for spinel falls in the range of approximately 1.718 to 1.732, providing a strong refractive contrast with common mounting metals while producing crisp facet reflections. Specific gravity for spinel ordinarily lies near 3.58 to 3.61, which translates into a perceptible weight for its face up dimensions, and the gem cutter working with Burma material often prioritizes color saturation and even tone, yielding the neutral to slightly cool grey presentation seen here that can shift subtly with lighting conditions and surrounding metals.

Durability considerations are straightforward for spinel, which registers eight on the Mohs hardness scale, a value that places it well above many common semiprecious gems and comfortably within the range recommended for daily wear jewelry, yet below corundum which registers nine and below diamond which registers ten, therefore the spinel will resist scratches from materials softer than itself but will be susceptible to abrasion from harder minerals such as sapphire or diamond. For secure long term performance we recommend installing this cushion spinel in a protective setting such as a bezel or four to six prong configuration with proper seat geometry to shield the girdle, and routine care can be accomplished with warm soapy water and a soft brush, avoiding harsh mechanical or chemical treatments, and professional ultrasonic cleaning may be used cautiously only after consultation about the nature of the internal inclusions. As this spinel is natural and unenhanced, and with documented origin from Burma Myanmar, The Natural Gemstone Company is pleased to present this specimen to connoisseurs who seek technical refinement, natural color fidelity, and the robust combination of excellent polish, thoughtful faceting, and field proven durability for precision mounted jewelry.