This large crystal of spinel has a unique, definite purple tinge to it, a purple-maroon mix in color. It is a large composite crystal exceeding an inch in size, and made up of smaller component crystals joined in mesmerizing symmetry somehow constrained to the overall form of the basic spinel octohedron anyhow. The large crystal is very dramatically excavated form its marble matrix, and the piece displays very nicely, as I think you can see, either horizontally or vertically. MUCH BETTER In PERSON in terms of translucency; a slight gemminess, especially at the edges; and in coloration which is just hard to convey with photos in this case.