Ruby Spinel in Calcite (ex Rich Kosnar Collection)

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 very sharp, defined, lustrous, octahedral faces and a gemmy, bright pinkish-red color. The crystal measures 7mm across and sits atop a matrix of massive white Calcite as is typical for this locality. The piece is very showy and aesthetic for the material, and certainly not easily replaced in this market. This piece was mined around 2000, and is one of the better matrix Spinels from the Rich Kosnar collection. 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. Valued at $500