Corundum (Var: Sapphire)

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For both size range and overall quality, this is one of the best examples I have had of the recently found bi-colored Corundums from Madagascar. I obtained it in 2006, and have not seen better come out since that time, with crystals of such robust size (2.6 x 2.5 x 1.3 cm). It features a single crystal perched castle-like on matrix. That crystal is complete-all-around and terminated all around except a slight bit of ingrown matrix on one narrow edge; and remarkably not repaired. They go varying shades of red/purple and even to blue-purple depending on which lighting source you use to look at them. The effect is not subtle, either; it's pretty obvious. These corundums are technically called sapphires on the market but to me, I cannot decide which to label them as, because under strong halogen they look as much like rubies as anything. This piece has superior color change, red/maroon in halogen and purple-blue in sunlight and fluorescent lighting.