**Complimentary Specimens** As a gesture of appreciation, winning lots with a final hammer price above €50 will include one small additional mineral offered entirely free of charge. —————— Description: At first glance, this ruby announces itself not through size, but through authority. Compact, dense and unmistakably crystalline, it presents a fully developed hexagonal form that speaks directly to its corundum identity. This is not a fragment, nor a casual occurrence in matrix, but a true crystal expression, complete in geometry and confident in presence. The crystal displays a thick, robust habit, markedly different from elongated or flattened ruby forms more commonly encountered. Its hexagonal cross section is clearly legible, with balanced prism faces and natural edges that retain their original growth character. This structural integrity gives the specimen a sculptural quality, where form is as important as colour, and mass reinforces rather than obscures definition. Colour is rich and saturated, dominated by a vivid pink tone with ruby character, energetic and alive. Under direct top lighting, the crystal responds with intensified saturation, revealing a luminous, almost electric pink that concentrates toward the core. When light passes through the edges, subtle internal variations emerge, adding depth without compromising colour strength. The thickness of the crystal body ensures that the hue remains powerful and stable, never washed out or diluted. Minor green mineral associations appear naturally along certain surfaces, offering a quiet chromatic counterpoint to the dominant pink. These inclusions are not intrusive; instead, they frame the ruby and anchor it geologically, reinforcing its natural origin and metamorphic context. The surface remains entirely unpolished, preserving raw crystalline textures and a natural lustre that shifts between vitreous highlights and softer, granular reflections. Under ultraviolet light, the crystal exhibits a strong red to pinkish red fluorescence, a classic and desirable response caused by chromium activation within the corundum structure. This reaction not only enhances its visual appeal but also confirms its identity as natural ruby, untreated and uncompromised. Originating from the Paranesti area in northern Greece, this specimen represents a locality known for producing compact, thick ruby crystals with well defined hexagonal geometry. European ruby occurrences are scarce by nature, and examples that combine strong colour, complete crystal form and visible fluorescence are increasingly difficult to source. This piece stands as a clear representative of that geological rarity. More than a simple mineral sample, this ruby qualifies as a true specimen. Its completeness, structural clarity and chromatic strength place it firmly within collector grade territory, where mineralogy, aesthetics and authenticity converge. Specifications: • Weight: 0.35 g • Weight in carats: 1.75 ct • Dimensions: 6 × 6 × 4 mm • Origin: Paranesti, Macedonia, Greece • Mineral: Corundum • Variety: Ruby • Crystal system: Trigonal (hexagonal symmetry) • Crystal habit: Thick prismatic hexagonal crystal • Colour: Saturated vivid pink ruby • Colour distribution: Even and stable throughout the crystal • Transparency: Opaque to slightly translucent at edges • Lustre: Vitreous with natural crystalline texture • UV reaction: Strong red to pinkish red fluorescence • Surface: Natural, unpolished, untreated • Condition: As collected Notable Points: • Fully developed hexagonal ruby crystal with clear geometric definition • Thick and compact crystal habit, uncommon for ruby specimens • Strong, saturated pink colour with ruby character • Colour intensifies under direct top lighting • Stable chromatic response with no artificial enhancement • Visible chromium driven UV fluorescence • Minor green mineral associations enhancing geological authenticity • Natural surface texture preserved with no polishing • European ruby locality with limited production • Excellent balance between form, colour and mineral integrity Collector’s Interest: This specimen will strongly appeal to collectors focused on crystal morphology, locality driven rarity and natural colour expression. Greek rubies are scarce, and Paranesti material is particularly valued for its compact, well formed hexagonal crystals rather than size alone. The combination of thick crystal habit, vivid colour and confirmed UV fluorescence elevates this piece above typical ruby in matrix examples, making it suitable for advanced collections, systematic mineral cabinets or educational reference sets illustrating corundum crystallography. Lapidary Potential: While the crystal exhibits sufficient colour saturation to suggest lapidary possibilities, its true value lies in its intact hexagonal form. Any cutting would irreversibly compromise the crystal geometry and specimen integrity. That said, its compact proportions and strong colour could inspire creative applications such as a high end pendant setting that preserves the natural crystal, rather than traditional faceting. The highest expression of this ruby remains as a natural specimen, where structure, colour and origin are fully respected. —————— Shipping and Handling: All orders are shipped by Portuguese National Post. • Dispatch time: within 1 to 3 business days after payment confirmation to Catawiki • Transit time with CTT service: between 5 to 7 business days within europe and worldwide, depending on destination national post. • A tracking number is always provided Photography and transparency: All photographs are taken under controlled lighting conditions using a macro lens, carefully selected to present each specimen as accurately as possible. No filters, colour enhancement, or artificial saturation are applied. The lighting setup uses a calibrated 5500K light source, replicating neutral daylight to reveal natural tones, surface features, and internal characteristics. Under warmer or weaker indoor lighting, colours may appear slightly different, which is normal. The purpose of this photographic process is documentation and representation, not visual enhancement. Images are intended to reflect the specimen faithfully as it appears under balanced natural light conditions. Identification and ethics: All specimens offered are natural and described to the best of our knowledge, based on direct sourcing, professional experience, and information provided by trusted suppliers working at the origin. Every effort is made to ensure transparency and accuracy regarding identification, locality, and general characteristics, avoiding misleading statements about treatment, provenance, or nature. Customs and import taxes: Any customs duties, import fees, or local taxes applied by the destination country are entirely the responsibility of the winning bidder. These charges are not included in the auction price or shipping cost and are determined by the buyer’s local authorities. Guarantee and resolution: Customer satisfaction is important. In the unlikely event of an issue such as loss, damage, or discrepancy, please contact us promptly through Catawiki’s messaging system. Each case is handled individually and fairly, with appropriate solutions offered when justified. Appreciation and commitment: We sincerely thank you for your trust. Our work focuses on careful selection, accurate representation, and respectful presentation of mineral specimens with character and interest. Each piece is chosen for its individual qualities rather than speculative or financial considerations. We aim to provide a transparent, reliable, and consistent experience for collectors at all levels. With gratitude, GemPulse Minerals