An early piece of well formed multi-color tourmaline from the now famous deposits at Luc Yen, Vietnam. Very sharp and with glassy luster, this is in superb condition with no visible damage to the crystal. Better in person and a little more gemmy than the photos show. This is quite likely a mix of Elbaite and Liddicoatite but has not been analyzed to determine this. Ex John Marshall collection, this is well above the quality of the vast majority of these Tourmalines, and a nice addition to any suite.
Gigantic stacked red-purple octahedrons in symetrical position. The color is good the luster is glossy and there are even some gemmy zones. The largest distinct crystal face is 7.3 CM across and shows triangular hoppering. For the size this is a very impressive specimen and is from the early finds over 20 years ago.
A purplish-red large Spinel twin over 5 cm across is the base for a smaller octahedron and some additional crystals. Shows typical etched surfaces and has some very glassy faces. An attractive display piece that is also quite instructive, it presents the twinning in a textbook form with a non twinned example as a contrast.
Spinel (large twinned crystal)
stock #8 DK-155
Luc Yen
Yen Bai Province,
Vietnam
5.1 x 4.2 CM (small cabinet/ large miniature)
price: $680
Sharp. lusterous and with deep purple-red color, this is a fine Spinel with strong form. Gemmy with glass-like surfaces, the transparency is above average for such a large crystal. The faces alternate from a melted or rounded form to sharp prismatic. The crystal shows well "spinel twinning" and is exceptionally sharp for its size. No damage, displays well.
Deep red Spinel (spinel twinned) with good sharrp form, A very eyecatching thumnail, that is not quite a true gemmy transparency but is translucent on the edges. The color of this one is far better than most and the form is distinctive. Attractively priced too.
