SPINEL . Luc Yen, Yenbai Province, Vietnam. ...

Description

SPINEL
Luc Yen, Yenbai Province, Vietnam

Even though Vietnam was off to a slow start after the cease-fire, it has caught fire, economically speaking, in the last decade or so. Along with the re-instatement of quasi-capitalist industry, there has been a huge increase in the exploration and exploitation of the various gem resources of the country. Besides Tourmaline and Aquamarine, Vietnam has acquired a reputation for providing some very fine and large Spinel crystals, Spinel being a valuable gemstone in its own right. As mineral specimens the best Spinels, like this one, show sharp octahedral form with brilliant luster and attractive color. This Spinel shows an elongate octahedral shape, probably the result of twinning. The color is a plummy red with purple overtones and although there are inclusions enough to keep it from being faceted, it is still quite transparent. This notably large (3.25 x 2.54 cm) and impressive crystal rises from the pure white marble matrix from which it formed in. It is in pristine condition with no observable flaws.
Overall Measurements: 1.8 x 1.4 x 1.1 inches (4.68 x 3.57 x 2.74 cm)

Provenance: Ex. William F. Larson Collection

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