1.72 Ct. Spinel from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

One beautiful transparent 1.72 carat oval shape blue spinel, measuring 8.63 x 5.72 x 3.98 mm, arrives to you as a rare combination of refinement and natural integrity from Ceylon Sri Lanka, presented by The Natural Gemstone Company. This gem is fashioned with a mixed brilliant cut that maximizes light return, and it carries a clarity grade described as very very slightly included evaluated at eye level, which means that under normal viewing conditions the stone appears clean and lively. The medium color intensity of the blue is vivid without being overstated, offering a deep cool tone that reads as sophisticated and versatile in any setting. The excellent polish gives each facet crisp edges and mirror like surfaces that enhance scintillation and bring out secondary flashes of lighter blue as the stone moves, making this spinel feel larger and more luminous than its carat weight might suggest. Importantly, this is a natural, untreated spinel with no enhancement, an attribute that sets it apart from many market alternatives that rely on heat treatment or diffusion to achieve similar color saturation.

Durability is a key factor in choosing a gemstone for everyday wear, and spinel performs exceptionally well on the Mohs hardness scale at 8.0, which places it above quartz and amethyst, and comfortably above common jewelry stones such as garnet and peridot. When compared to sapphire and ruby, which rank at 9, spinel is slightly less hard but still very resistant to scratching and abrasion for daily jewelry use. Against White Opal, which generally sits between about 5.5 and 6.5 on the Mohs scale and is notably softer and more prone to surface wear and hydration related changes, this blue spinel offers a clear advantage in longevity and maintenance. While diamond at 10 remains the hardest gem, diamonds and high hardness alone do not always equate to better optical performance or color, and a well cut spinel can deliver more pleasing tone and brilliance for certain designs. For practical settings, a spinel of this hardness pairs well with both open prong mounts that highlight the cut and bezel settings that add security, and because it is untreated it will retain its original beauty far longer than treated stones that can sometimes shift in appearance over time.

Value and uniqueness are where this Ceylon blue spinel truly shines, especially when compared with alternatives on the market that offer similar hues. Many blue gems with comparable color such as certain sapphires or treated zircons come with caveats of enhancement or visual compromises like silk inclusions that mute brilliance. This spinel’s transparent nature and very very slightly included clarity evaluated at eye level deliver a cleaner window into the gem, creating strong light performance and a true face up color that does not rely on heavy saturation or artificial means. The mixed brilliant cut contributes to a modern, sparkling look that competes favorably with traditional brilliant cuts in diamonds and sapphires, and its compact dimensions of 8.63 by 5.72 mm make it a perfect candidate for elegant rings, refined pendants, or a matched set of heirloom quality earrings. For designers and collectors who appreciate pairing contrasts, consider combining this blue spinel with White Opal accents to create a striking balance between deep cool blue and soft opalescent white, while knowing that the spinel will offer superior durability and longevity in everyday wear. At The Natural Gemstone Company we present this stone as an exceptional choice for someone seeking a natural, untreated, and beautifully proportioned gem that offers enduring value, distinctive color, and reliable toughness for generations of enjoyment.