Sapphire (bi-color crystal) on matrix

Item Description

Starting in the early 2000s, we started seeing these attractive and fine quality Sapphires coming out of Madagascar, but nothing has come out in years. They are most certainly some of the best matrix Sapphires to come from any locality in many years. They crystals often display have textbook euhedral form, with sharp faces and superb luster, but I would argue that the most alluring aspect is that the crystals are rather colorful. This miniature specimen features a sharp, rather lustrous, prismatic, blue-purple and pink bi-color Sapphire crystal measuring 1.0 cm long which is wonderfully set on black Mica matrix with a bit of white Calcite. We haven't had many of these to offer in the last few years in the auctions and in terms of size and quality, this is a very nice example well-known and now very hard to find Corundums from Madagascar. It's important to stress that the crystals are rather lustrous and sharp, which is not often seen in matrix Corundum specimens as the crystals can often be rounded and dull. Just the fact that the crystals are on matrix is important, but the fine quality really pushes it to another level. Lastly, in my experience virtually all of the Sapphires from this area display a color-change from sun to indoor lighting. As you can see here in the photos, the crystals are purple with pink highlights, but they change to a more of a solid blue color in sunlight. They also show good fluorescence as well. It wasn't the easiest piece to photograph and for what it's worth I think it looks better in person. Valued in the inventory at $700.