Spinel (ex Kay Robertson Collection)

Item Description

A classic and hard to find matrix specimen of Spinel from the Aldam Shield where over 350 species are found. This attractive small caibnet specimen features a sharp, very well-formed, distinct, blue-black modified octahedral crystal of Spinel measuring 4.7 cm across on schist and Caclite host rock matrix. The crystal is not 100% perfect as it's slightly rough on the back corner, but it does have smooth, resinous faces, and is one of the better examples of the material that we've had to offer in this size from this locality. For the size, it's actually very impressive to have a nearly 2-inch Spinel crystal on matrix that shows excellent crystal form like this as they are often dull, pitted and distorted when they get this size from virtually any world locality. A great display specimen of this now hard to find but beloved material from Russia. Ex Kay Robertson Collection #12591. Kay is a prominent California collector, who specialized in European classics (see the article in the March-April, 2007 Mineralogical Record). A beautiful and attractive old-timer from this famous locale.