2.20 Ct. Pinkish Purple Spinel from Burma (Myanmar)

This gemstone began its journey deep within the ancient metamorphic rock belts of Burma, where heat and pressure coaxed aluminum and magnesium rich minerals into crystalline order over millions of years. From those hidden geological crucibles emerged the rough crystal that would become this rare and transparent 2.20 carat cushion shape, pinkish purple spinel. The piece was sourced with provenance from Burma Myanmar, a region celebrated for producing spinels with profound, saturated colors and a storied history that runs alongside the famed ruby mines of the Mogok valley. Hand selected at the mine for its intact crystal form and pure, unenhanced color, the rough was then entrusted to our master cutters at The Natural Gemstone Company, who honored the stone with a careful plan that preserved its natural soul while unlocking its face up brilliance. The dimensions of the finished gem measure 8.21 x 6.58 x 4.17 mm, the cutting style is faceted, and the pavilion and crown were rendered with a mixed brilliant cut to balance lively scintillation with a generous, even color distribution. The gem shows intense color intensity, an excellent polish, and a clarity described as slightly included at eye level, details that together tell an honest and compelling story of authenticity and natural beauty.

Inside this spinel are the small, narrative inclusions that give it an unmistakable signature and set it apart from laboratory counterparts. Under magnification you will find delicate needle like silk and tiny octahedral crystal inclusions, remnants of the gem family that shared space during crystallization, suspended like fossils in time. There are also subtle growth zoning ribbons, faint and parallel planes where color and crystal orientation shifted as the stone grew, and a few healed feather like features that reflect light in a way that appears almost like miniature rivers running through the gem. These internal markers sometimes produce pinpoints of reflected light and soft flashes that dance as the stone turns, adding depth and a sense of movement to the rich pinky purple hue. Rather than detract, these inclusions authenticate the gem, offering gemmological fingerprints that confirm natural origin and Burmese provenance, and they contribute to the character and personality of the stone in much the same way as grain in fine wood or the texture in a hand thrown ceramic vessel.

The decision to cut this crystal into a cushion shape with a mixed brilliant faceting scheme was driven by a desire to harmonize color and brilliance while preserving weight and clarity. The mixed brilliant facets on the crown were designed to catch and refract light for lively scintillation, while the broader pavilion facets were shaped to deepen the stone’s face up color, yielding the intense, even saturation that you see without the need for any enhancement. Every facet was refined to an excellent polish to maximize window less reflections and to produce even, clean flashes. The slightly included clarity grade means that at normal viewing distances the gem reads as clean and transparent, and up close the inclusions reveal their secret story. Practically speaking, spinel is a very wearable gem with a hardness around eight on the Mohs scale, which means this 2.20 carat cushion will perform admirably in rings and other everyday jewelry with basic care. Set in a warm gold bezel or a classic four prong setting to showcase its cushion silhouette and color, the gem will reward daily wear with enduring beauty.

At The Natural Gemstone Company we believe that a gemstone is a steward of history, science, and human craft, and this Burmese spinel is a perfect example. It carries the memory of geologic time in its inclusions, the hands of miners and cutters in its facets and polish, and the promise of future stories to be worn by its next keeper. The gem is offered as a natural, untreated spinel, precise in its dimensions, and lovingly finished to highlight its intense pinkish purple tone. If you would like additional views, to discuss custom mounting options, or to arrange a private viewing, we are ready to guide you through the final step of this stone’s journey into a finished piece that reflects your personal taste and the natural character of this remarkable spinel.