This is a NEW RUBY MINE, and has been producing amazing bicolored red/purple rough for the gem trade recently but FEW crystals have been preserved. This matrix hosts a sharp, gemmy, intensely colored crystal of nearly 1 cm. It is obviously twinned, and REALLY is much more dramatic in person. In shifting lights, these change color and can show a bit of purple/blue color, even. I am told that normally even small examples of this material are cut for facet rough, and this specimen was one of the few collector-worthy pieces, saved from cutting by a good gem dealing friend of mine who thoughtfully sold it to me based on carat weight - but hey, at least he didn't cut it before trying to preserve it!