Spinel

1.4 x 1.3 x 1.2 cm. Recently, the various gem tracts around Luc Yen have produced some impressive Spinel crystals. These are easily some of the largest individual Spinel crystals to come out of any locality. This specimen is an attractive, lustrous, translucent/gemmy, sharp octahedron of Spinel. The color is a lovely deep pinkish-red hue, and to find sharp, lustrous crystals this size that pass light is rare in my experience from Luc Yen. It is also not at all brown like so many I’ve seen from this locality either, and you can see a rich color inside when it is strongly backlit. This locality has the potential to produce some SUPERB Spinels, and if they stay this size, they will set a new standard for the species.


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Photo added: 30th Oct 2007