Corundum var. Sapphire

Unknown Owner

This matrix specimen shows off a proudly displayed, well excavated crystal of sapphire from these famous sapphire and ruby mining areas of Madagascar. The crystal measures 2.5 x 2.5 xc 1.75 cm in size and has exceptionally high luster and purity of color. Paul chose this for his collection when they first came out, and had it prepped himself to his aesthetic standard for display specimens. Most of these corundum (ruby/sapphire) crystals have cruddy mixed coloration of blue-purple-reddish, whereas this is a pure end-color-blue sapphire. Also, they mostly have a nice luster but not exceptional, as we see here with a waxy and bright surface. No damage, no repairs. From old finds in the early 2000s.