SOLD
T08-03
Spinel on Pyrrhotite
Kuch-i-Lal, Ishkashim District, Western Pamir Mountains, Tajikistan
Miniature, 3.2 x 3.2 x 2.8 cm
SOLD
Few specimens had more than one crystal exposed on matrix, that I know of from this find. This one features a dramatic single 8 mm gem crystal atop a perch of massive pyrrhotite, with a secondary crystal as well (not as gemmy, but still colorful and a nice accent). I had never seen spinel from here, nor spinel on pyrrhotite (or other sulfides) from anywhere. The contrast is striking and, luckily, the spinels are of gem quality so these are good specimens on their own and not just new "locality pieces." These gem crystals have a unique lavender hue that sets them apart from other spinels we have seen out of Mogok and Sri Lanka.