Description/Interesting Notes:
A magnificent example of these two famed gem corundum varietals from Sri Lanka!!! This is a pair of specimens - one sapphire and one ruby crystal that
came from the University of Delaware Mineralogical Museum!!! Since the two specimens were attached to one label, I decided to keep the pair together!!! The
sapphire crystal is quite unique in that it actually consists of a blue sapphire crystal perched on a partial crystal of
colorless sapphire!!! This sapphire crystal is so incredibly lustrous that I actually thought it might be polished at first!!! The termination is so
flat and smooth, however upon close inspection with a scope one can see fine, sharply defined striations and natual growth features!!! The sapphire crystal has
gemmy clarity and exhibits a striking color zonining!!! Looking down through the termination, one can see a sharply defined triangle formed
by the zones of lively blue color!!! Upon close examination, one can see that this triangular-sharped zone has a slight, silken chatoyance when
viewed at certain angles!!! The ruby crystal has more characteristic, slightly rounded alluvial features!!! Examples of ruby from
Sri Lanka are far less common than sapphires!!! This ruby crystal has marked clarity throughout and also exhibits a slight silken chatoyance as well!!! There
is a curious, crytalline inclusion in the ruby crystal as well!!! Simply a magnificent pair of specimens!!! This pair of specimens
retains a label from the University of Delaware Mineralogical Museum as well!!!
The pics hardly do it justice!!! Must be seen in person to be fully appreciated!!!
Good luck and be sure to check out my other exciting mineral auctions on ebay!!!
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