Corundum (Var. Sapphire) - bicolored

Zazafotsy Quarry, Ihosy District, Fianarantsoa Province, Madagascar
Small Cabinet, 6.8 x 4.5 x 4.4 cm
Start Time: 01/07/2010 6:30:00 pm (CST)
End Time: 01/19/2010 7:00:00 pm (CST)
Auction Closed

Item Description

For both size range and overall quality, this is one of the best examples I have had of the recently found bicolored Corundums from Madagascar. I bought it in 2006, and have not seen better come out since that time, with crystals of such robust size (2.6 x 2.5 x 1.3 cm). It features a single crystal perched castle-like on matrix. That crystal is complete all around and terminated all around except a slight bit of ingrown matrix on one narrow edge; and remarkably NOT repaired. They go varying shades of red/purple and even to blue-purple depending on which lighting source you use to look at them. The effect is not subtle, either - its pretty obvious.These corundums are technically called sapphires on the market but to me, I cannot decide which to label them as, because under strong halogen they look as much like rubies as anything. This piece has SUPERIOR color change, red/maroon in halogen and purpley-blue in sunlight and fluorescent lighting. Valued $2000

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