Spinel

specimen number:
9507076

location:
Mogok, Mandalay, Myanmar

description:
Two lustrous deep red translucent crystals of spinel, the larger 1.3 cm in size, set perfectly up on a white marble matrix. This is in super condition. The smaller crystal exhibits twinning. Classic material for the species and locality.

The Mogok Stone Tract in Myanmar has been mined artisanally for centuries, with formal imperial royal control documented by the late 16th century and commercial European extraction beginning under British administration in 1886 before operations shifted back to local and state control through the 20th century. Geologically, the region features a complex metamorphic belt where intense regional metamorphism and hydrothermal activity transformed ancient limestones into crystalline marbles, interacting with intrusive granites and syenites. Within this unique marble host environment, spinel forms alongside ruby as hot fluids and metamorphic processes concentrate elements like chromium while keeping iron levels low. Weathering of these parent rocks over millions of years has ultimately washed the durable gem crystals down into rich alluvial and eluvial placer gravel deposits across the valley floors.

Questions about this specimen?
Send an email or call us: 314-341-1811.