Ruby in zoisite schist matrix

Item Description

A classic Tanzanian Ruby specimen but with a few points of exceptional quality to note - it has a naturally lustrous and complete crystal on the surface of the usual massive matrix host! At 547 grams, this could be a piece of carving material if not for the beautiful crystal standing out on the surface. The crystal has unusually saturated color and it has glassy luster, measuring 4 cm across. Most of the rubies from this deposit are crumbly, grainy, not lustrous, and embedded in the greenish rock matrix so that the faces are simply not seen (if they exist at all). This one is a fortuitous display, and rare in that regard. It is a big, impactful, matrix ruby specimen for any collection, from old finds. While many massive and rough examples exist, this is just so unusual, it surprised me when I first saw it. The color is breathtakingly deep ruby blood-red, in sunlight, and it shows modest fluorescence as well.