Spinel

A wonderful thumbnail specimen of gem spinel from the marble quarries of northern Pakistan, featuring a sharp, well-formed pseudo-octahedral (trigonal) crystal measuring approximately 7 mm. The crystal displays a rich pink-red colour with a subtle purple overtone and sits prominently atop a white marble matrix. It shows good lustre with clean, sharp faces and excellent internal gemminess and translucency when backlit. Under long-wave ultraviolet light, the crystal exhibits an intense red fluorescence, further enhancing its visual appeal. High-quality matrix spinel specimens are uncommon from any locality, making this a particularly desirable example.

This specimen originates from the renowned marble deposits of the Hunza Valley, one of the world’s oldest and most celebrated ruby, sapphire, and spinel-producing regions. This area has produced exceptional gem crystals for centuries, prized for their colour and clarity. Today, fine spinel on matrix from this region appears far less frequently on the market and commands strong prices. Examples of this quality are increasingly scarce and represent outstanding additions to any serious gem mineral collection.