Spinel (Ruby Spinel) twin on matrix

It has been next to impossible to obtain fine quality Spinel specimens from Burma these days it seems. Matrix specimens of Spinel are uncommon, and finding gem quality crystals on matrix is extremely difficult. This piece hosts a classic Burmese "Ruby Spinel" crystal with very sharp, defined, lustrous, octahedral faces and a gemmy vibrant pinkish-red color. The best part of the crystal is that it shows classic "Spinel-law" twinning, with a compressed octahedral form. The crystal sits atop a matrix of massive white Calcite as is typical for this locality. The piece is very showy and extremely aesthetic for the material, and certainly not easily replaced in this market. This specimen was mined around 2000 and is one of the finer Spinels from the collection of my father, Richard A. Kosnar. The best of these specimens are simply the finest in the world for what they are. This is an example of a non-pegmatite gem mineral for which many collectors probably do not have a good specimen in their collections. Ex. Richard A. Kosnar collection Specimen # TUC31717