Corundum var: Ruby (RARE classic locality specimen)

Item Description

Rubies are some of the most celebrated gems/minerals in the world. The American Gem Society stated on their website that, "Rubies were traded along China's North Silk Road as early as 200 BC". Good crystals are always in demand, especially from famous localities. This piece is an attractive and hard to find well-formed, doubly-terminated, dark purplish-red Ruby from the famous John Saul Mine (Rockland Mine) in Kenya. There are many localities for Ruby in Kenya, and a good number of pieces have been found over the years, but the famous John Saul Mine is arguably most desirable locality for mineral collectors. The piece shows excellent hexagonal form (with a smaller secondary accent crystal on one side), and even good translucency when backlit. This is a complete "floater" crystal, with no damage or point of attachment. A really attractive piece of Ruby from this historic locality. Under long wave UV light, the piece glows with a vivid red color. A fine quality, and truly desirable Ruby from this renowned locality. Specimen weight is 5.29 grams. From the collection of Bill Larson.