Ruby with Spinel (variety Gahnite) , circa 1800s - image 1

Ruby with Spinel (variety Gahnite) , circa 1800s - image 2

Ruby with Spinel (variety Gahnite) , circa 1800s - image 3

Ruby with Spinel (variety Gahnite) , circa 1800s - image 4

Ruby with Spinel (variety Gahnite) , circa 1800s

Unknown Owner

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Orange County, New York, is a historic locality for fine, sharply-defined Spinel octahedrons (this black variety, from this locality, is the subspecies Gahnite). Here, the sharp Spinel is 1.2 cm across (tip to tip), with good luster and excellent form. What makes this historic piece so very special is that this miniature also has a gorgeous 1.2 cm rose-colored Ruby (red variety of Corundum, to be technical) perched upon it. The Corundum is sharp and well-exposed, and together with the Spinel side-by-side it makes for a very rare, outstanding, old-time combination piece. Formerly in the collection of collector and dealer George Burnham. A previous older 1800's era label is glued to the bottom (old AE Foote style?). Unique in my experience.