Large, Important purple Spinel on Marble

Item Description

An impressive, very large unusually shaped spinel crystal is dramatically set in the colored sculptural marble matrix from recent finds at Luc Yen. The crystal, itself, end-to-end is 13.0 cm across - huge for the locale! The spinel has rich lavender color, bright lustre and is gemmy to translucent. The striking, dominating euhedral crystal section at the top is 5.8 cm across. The display face has stepped-growth, which adds much character. The rest of the crystal is euhedral to contacted or bruised. The spinel does not fluoresce, but unknown inclusions in the unusual translucent greenish-yellow marble matrix fluoresce yellow to white. A huge, rare style matrix spinel from the locale. Value? We have never seen another like it of this size and style. Valued $2500 or more