STUNNING, absolutely gem-clear Elbaite (rubellite) crystal from the Naipa Mine in Mozambique. The raspberry color, with a hint of pink, is perfect from contact to termination, and nearly pristine (a tiny amount of wear along some of the edges has no bearing at all on the incredible aesthetics of this single gem crystal). The Naipa Mine is thought to be related to the famous Muiane pegmatites, just 3 km to the southeast. This is OLD gem material, and most of this would have been cut and faceted long ago if it came to market. At 6.3 grams, this beauty can be mounted as is, and worn with pride, should you choose to display it in that fashion. For reference, see the lead article in The Mineralogical Record, Volume 31, 6.