Ruby Spinel in Calcite

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 uncommon, but to find gem quality crystals on matrix is extremely difficult. This piece hosts a classic Burmese "Ruby Spinel" crystal with sharp, defined, lustrous, octahedral faces and a gemmy red color. The 5 mm crystal sits atop a matrix of massive white/grey Calcite as is typical for this locality. 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.