3.22 Ct. Spinel from Burma (Myanmar)

From the riverbeds and marble hills of Burma Myanmar this purple spinel began its long journey as a grain of mineral forming under heat and pressure, slowly acquiring depth and life over millennia. Miners working in the storied Mogok region and its surrounding valleys have long known how to recognize the subtle signs of a spinel in matrix, following veins of weathered marble and the glint of crystal in clay rich soil. As a 3.22 carat oval, transparent gemstone this piece carries the quiet history of its birthplace, the same landscape that produced gems revered by kings and collectors across continents. The purple hue speaks to the particular trace elements and geological circumstances present in its origin, a color that has inspired myths and admiration, and that was often admired alongside rubies in royal treasuries for its own unique voice. We at The Natural Gemstone Company honor that lineage by presenting this stone not simply as a commodity but as a narrative of place and time, a small polished fragment of Burmese earth that still remembers the hands that first freed it from stone.

The journey continued as rough crystal moved from field to cutting table, where an experienced cutter chose a mixed brilliant cut to reveal both the vivid color and internal vitality of this gem. The cutter worked to balance weight retention and optical performance, preserving 3.22 carat of natural material while fashioning an elegant oval form that measures 9.88 x 7.92 x 5.70 mm, dimensions that will sit gracefully in a variety of jewelry silhouettes. The mixed brilliant design layers a pavilion of precision facets beneath a crown that maximizes scintillation and fire, so that light entering the gem is returned as lively sparkle and saturated purple color. With a clarity grade of very slightly included when evaluated at eye level the gem shows minimal internal character that does not detract from beauty, but in some lights reveals the natural fingerprint that confirms its natural origin. An excellent polish gives facet junctions a mirror finish, creating clean reflections and a tactile smoothness that announces superior finishing work. Importantly this spinel is without enhancement, a wholly natural example of intense color intensity straight from Burma Myanmar, and a piece that allows collectors and wearers to appreciate an authentic, untreated treasure from nature.

Beyond its provenance and cut the gemstone is remarkably suited for daily wear, thanks to spinel chemical and physical properties that reward both beauty and practicality. Spinel sits at about 8 on the Mohs hardness scale making it substantially resistant to scratches from everyday contact, and it lacks cleavage planes that can make some gems vulnerable to breaks. Those attributes mean that set into a ring pendant or pair of earrings this 3.22 carat oval purple spinel can be enjoyed every day with confidence, maintaining polish and resisting the surface wear that often plagues softer stones. The gem responds well to standard jewelry settings, and whether cradled in a protective bezel or showcased in classic prongs it provides both visual drama and long term durability. Care is straightforward and gentle, warm soapy water and a soft brush will maintain its brilliance, and routine inspection by a trusted jeweler will ensure settings remain secure. By choosing this spinel through The Natural Gemstone Company a customer acquires not only a vividly colored gemstone with excellent polish and natural clarity, but also a durable, wearable treasure whose story connects the wearer to the mountains and artisans of Burma Myanmar, a lasting piece ready to be set into an heirloom that can be worn and treasured every day.