Ruby Spinel

Item Description

It has been next to impossible to obtain fine quality Spinel specimens from Burma these days it seems. Matrix specimens of Spinel are not common, and to find gem quality crystals is difficult as well. This piece is a classic Burmese "Ruby Spinel" crystal with sharp, defined, octahedral faces plus it's very gemmy with a strong red color. The crystal is complete "floater" on all sides, showing virtually no damage. This piece was mined around 2000. The best of these specimens are simply the finest in the world for what they are. This is an example of a non-pegmatite gem mineral for which many collectors probably do have a good specimen in their collections.