A single vertical sapphire crystal, just about 8 cm tall (over 3 inches!), stands perfectly balanced against this matrix perch of muscovite and marble. The matrix itself is pretty because of the combination of colors. The dramatic tall single crystal is very special, and unusual both in size and condition as it is pristine, and not repaired. It was expertly excavated out of the surrounding matrix by a friend of ours, taking a lot of time and care to not break it while doing so. It shows a termination on the bottom, exposed as the crystal goes into the matrix. Most of these have repairs and restorations, in this size - but this specimen is a remarkably large and pristine sapphire from the region, without any of the usual problems.