Corundum var. Ruby

A splendid example of Ruby Corundum on matrix from the Froland region in the county of Agder in southern Norway.  This region is dominated by a large pegmatite field, a pegmatite originating through the partial melting of crustal rocks.  Such a pegmatite is quite different to those of granitic composite of which we tend to be more familiar with; this can be studied in the strongly foliated Quartz and Mica matrix of this specimen.  Ruby, the red variety of Corundum, is distributed all through this specimen and its rich, slightly pinkish cranberry-red stands out against the white and clove-bronze pegmatitic matrix.  One large opaque Ruby crystal dominates, measuring 6 cm at its widest point and up to 1.5 cm thick.  This is formed by the merger of two adjacent hexagonal crystals, both displaying triangular growth patterns over their faces.  Around ten other notable occurrences of opaque Ruby can be seen throughout the matrix.  This specimen stands perfectly on its base so as to display the featured crystals at just the correct angle.  An impressive Ruby from Norway, originally in the Dr Josef Clemente (1899-1987) Collection of southern Germany, who purchased it in 1975.