SOLD
MD-163193
Spinel, Diopside
Aldan, Aldan Shield, Saha Republic (Sakha Republic; Yakutia), Eastern-Siberian Region, Russia
Small Cabinet, 5.8 x 4.8 x 3.8 cm
SOLD
This whopper of a spinel crystal is complete all around and free of damage, measuring about 2 inches across, and beautifully terminated. It has a rich "satiny" luster, characteristic of pocket-growth crystals that have never been covered by other rock or calcite infill which has to be removed with acid. Large spinels of this caliber, from open pockets, are very rare! This locality historically produced spinels of this caliber, and they came out 20 years and more ago and trickled to Western markets when the Wall fell. A small new find at the same old locale has provided us a small new supply of these spinel classics. What is nice, though, is that the overall quality for this combination of size and crystal habit of spinel has not been surpassed in the meantime - they stand as important spinels, not just as interesting locality classics, in other words. Ex. Charlie Key.