22.69 Ct. Multi Color Sapphire Crystal from Madagascar

This specimen from The Natural Sapphire Company is a substantial semi transparent sapphire weighing 22.69 carat, presented as a cluster of various shape crystals with dimensions listed as 0.01 x 0.01 x 0.01 mm. The material exhibits a rough crystal cut, evident euhedral faces, and an unmodified natural surface in many facets of the pieces. Color is multifaceted across the individual crystals, described as multi color with medium color intensity, and the grouping displays discrete color zones rather than a uniform tone. Optical behavior is of gemological interest, with observable pleochroism across the violet, pink and yellow components, and with translucency sufficient to allow light transmission and internal color interplay. The overall polish is excellent on the worked areas, which enhances luster despite the rough crystal habit, and the cumulative presentation highlights natural crystal form alongside refined finishing where present.

Clarity has been evaluated as included at eye level, and the internal features are consistent with corundum crystallized in a primary alluvial environment. Inclusions appear as isolated crystals, healed fractures and occasional fine needle like rutile growths that contribute to silkiness in localized areas. These inclusions affect light return and should be considered when planning a lapidary strategy, but they do not compromise the structural integrity of the material given corundum hardness 9 Mohs and robust specific gravity typically in the range 3.95 to 4.03. From a cutting and faceting perspective there are two principal approaches. One option is to retain the rough crystal aesthetic and perform minimal shaping and high quality polishing of natural faces to produce a specimen retaining maximum weight and provenance. The alternative is to orient individual pieces to exploit the best color and pleochroic axis and to execute precision faceting using mixed cut or modified brilliant styles for rounded shapes, and step cut or emerald style facets for tabular crystals where color zoning can be managed by large coherent facets. Recommended refractive index considerations are 1.762 to 1.770 with birefringence near 0.008, and pavilion angles should be optimized to those optical parameters to balance fire and extinction when faceting transparent to semi transparent sections.

The finish and provenance elevate this sapphire group for collectors and designers who value unenhanced natural material, enhancement status noted as no enhancement, and origin confirmed as Madagascar. The excellent polish reported on selected facets was achieved using progressive diamond compounds and low pressure final polishing to preserve surface integrity while maximizing luster. For jewelry applications the material will benefit from settings that protect areas of inclusion and any shallow cleavage controlled zones, so bezel mountings and protective prong designs with secure seats are advisable for high wear pieces. For creators seeking maximum color play a shallow crown with larger table or a custom freeform pavilion can be used to orient color zones toward the face up view, whereas for durability and everyday wear a lower profile setting and secure bezel retention will mitigate mechanical risk. The Natural Sapphire Company recommends professional gemological documentation and imaging to document color distribution and inclusion patterns for valuation and insurance purposes, and suggests micro photographic records if pieces are to be sold or set. This Madagascar origin group offers a rare combination of natural crystal form, medium color intensity and excellent polish, and it presents a compelling option for those who appreciate technical nuance in cutting strategy and material selection.