Bicolor Corundum var. Sapphire

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What an astonishing Burmese Sapphire! Massing in at 65.5 grams, this perfectly formed, barrel-shaped, hexagonal crystal exhibits distinct and highly unusual zoning: from a cloudy white, orangey, iron-included end to a marvelous, gemmy, medium blue, central zone and then into a paler blue gem (!) end that is so transparent you can see right into the crystal! The prism faces are well defined and and taper slightly to each end and display horizontal striations. This large Sapphire is terminated by flat pinacoids at each end. We rarely see such large Sapphire crystals of this quality for sale at any time on the market from Burma or elsewhere! The obvious reason is that there is cutting rough inside, even if they have to heat or irradiate the crystal to enhance colors. Only a relatively fe such crystals are ever saved from destruction. The Larson collection, more than any other we are aware of, has preserved such variety from Burma, and it was due to the dozens of trips he made scouring the gem markets and sources, that these are saved for posterity. For the bicolor yellow and blue appearance, the robust form, and the good size, this is overall a significant, and eye catching, miniature.