Ruby Spinel on 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 very sharp, defined, lustrous, octahedral faces and a gemmy, bright cherry-red color. The crystal measures 8 mm across and jauntily sits on a matrix of cleaved calcite. The piece is very showy and aesthetic for the material, and certainly not easily replaced in this market. This piece was mined around 2000. The best of these specimens are simply the finest in the world for what they are.