Bi-color Sapphire / Ruby in Matrix, Mkuyuni, Uluguru Mountains, Tanzania
6.08 cm x 4.32 cm x 2.12 cm, 67.6 grams
Here is a very interesting specimen of Bi-colored Corundum in matrix from Tanzania. It looks similar to a Winza Sapphire / Ruby.
The matrix does not appear to be correct for Winza, however the listed locale in in the same region, and so few crystals ever come out still in matrix that it is always possible.
The matrix is made up of pyrite along with another silvery unknown mineral, and what appears to be very dark green Pargasite.
Now I say Sapphire / Ruby because depending on who you ask, this could go either way.
To me, the main crystal which measures approx. 1.5 cm x 1.1 cm, is a bi-color purple sapphire that has a pinkish purple color and a deep purple center to the top termination.
The very dark purple appears to be concentrated up at the top termination.
There are a few more smaller sapphire through out the specimen, but they are very dark in color and the only way to really locate the is with a UV light.
As you will see in the video, the specimen is very UV reactive, with the Sapphire fluorescing a very bright red and the Pargasite fluorescing an orange color.
Overall a very interesting specimen from this sapphire and Ruby producing region.
