Spinel ps. Ruby on Calcite

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The Larson Burma mineral collection numbered nearly 1000 specimens, and in all of them there is not another like this amazing Spinel after Ruby pseudomorph that is perched atop a dramatically contrasting calcite matrix. It is one of few existing and ultimate display quality Spinel-Ruby pseudomorphs that are known from Burma, long in Bill Larson's collection. This rich red-pink pseudomorph measures a full two inches across and is complete all around and is a stunning specimen. The identity was confirmed by RAMAN as well as easy gemological tests to distinguish the spinel from ruby. It sits perfectly composed on a translucent, gray-white, coarsely crystalline Calcite matrix. There are no repairs or restorations on this commanding piece and the contrast between the rich red-pink Ruby-Spinel pseudo and the lighter Calcite is phenomenal. We have not seen anything quite like it (and neither had Bill, which is why he kept it for a few decades!). In person, this is a stunning, sophisticated specimen of what is actually a very rare pseudomorph of these two valuable gem species. Comes with a custom lucite base for display.