Ruby Crystals- 10.00 g - (3)

BASIC DESCRIPTION

Cabochon grade 50+ ct lot (3 pieces) of natural Winza Ruby (Corundum) sourced from the famous, now depleted, Winza deposit in the Dodoma Province, Tanzania. This material is world-renowned for its unique, "neon" pinkish-red to raspberry saturation (sometimes rather close to padparadsha color) that sets it apart from any other ruby origin.

Unlike typical rounded alluvial stones, these specimens exhibit a clear hexagonal crystal system (trigonal), which is highly prized by collectors, the rugged, authentic crystal habits with characteristic surface striations and the "raw" look of primary deposit material.

This lot is precisely weighed at 51.05 ct, making it a substantial find for high-end lapidaries or investment-grade mineral collections. Each stone in this lot exceeds 15 carats, a size that is becoming increasingly rare for this specific Tanzanian location.

--------------------

LOT DETAILS

Number of Items: 3

Total Weight: Approx. 51.05 ct

Individual Weights: Approx. 18.30 ct, 16.55 ct, and 15.95 ct.

Color: Saturated "Winza" red with distinct purplish-pink undertones (raspberry red).

Clarity: Opaque/Included (cabochon grade). These pieces feature the signature black inclusions (spinel/hercynite) that serve as a "fingerprint" of the Winza origin.

Treatment: 100% Natural, No Heat, No Treatment.

--------------------

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Origin: Winza, Dodoma Province, Tanzania.

Type: Natural Corundum (Ruby).

Chemical Classification: (Aluminum Oxide) colored by trace amounts of Chromium.

Crystal System: Trigonal (Hexagonal habit).

Hardness: 9.0 on the Mohs scale (the second hardest natural mineral).

Specific Gravity: 3.97 – 4.05.

Refractive Index: 1.762 – 1.770.

Other Optical Properties: Strong pleochroism, showing flashes of purplish-red and orangey-red depending on the viewing axis.

NOTE FOR CUTTERS: Winza rubies are known for their unique internal geometry. When orienting for cutting, pay close attention to the potential for blue color zoning often found at the core of these crystals, which can add incredible depth to the finished gem.

--------------------

HISTORICAL CONTEXT

The Winza deposit was discovered in 2007 and caused an immediate sensation in the global gemstone market.

The Discovery: Unlike many ancient mines, Winza was found by local farmers in a remote area of central Tanzania. It briefly became a "gold rush" for rubies and sapphires.

Scientific Impact: Winza rubies redefined gemological standards because they often possess a "glow" similar to Burmese rubies but with a geological signature (inclusions) previously unseen in high-quality corundum.

Current Availability: Most of the primary Winza pipes were exhausted within a few years. Today, finding raw, unheated crystals of this size (15+ ct) is increasingly difficult, as the mine is no longer producing at its peak.

--------------------

GEOLOGICAL ORIGIN AND FORMATION

These rubies formed within the East African Orogen, a massive geological belt created by the collision of tectonic plates hundreds of millions of years ago.

Metamorphic Genesis: Formed under extreme pressure and temperatures (approx. 800°C) within amphibolite-facies rocks. This environment allowed the aluminum to crystallize into high-density corundum.

The Winza Signature: The presence of black hercynite or orange spinel crystals as inclusions is a diagnostic feature of this locality. These "internal guests" prove the ruby's natural, untreated origin.

Chromium Content: The high chromium levels responsible for the red color also cause strong fluorescence, making the stones appear to "glow" even in low-light conditions.

--------------------

GEMOLOGICAL PROFILE

Crystallography: The stones show well-defined hexagonal faces and basal pinacoids typical of high-quality Tanzanian corundum.

Fluorescence: Strong red fluorescence under UV light, which enhances the "fire" of the stone under daylight.

Internal Characteristics: Professional gemologists identify Winza rubies by their unique bent or "curved" silk-like needles and distinctive mineral inclusions.

Luster: Sub-adamantine to vitreous.

Durability: With a hardness of 9, these stones are perfect for heirloom jewelry, as they are highly resistant to scratching and chemical erosion.

--------------------

MARKET INSIGHTS (2026)

Winza Ruby is currently a "blue chip" collector's item. Because the production at the source is unstable and mostly depleted, prices for rough material are on a steep upward trend.

The "No Heat" Premium: In today's market, unheated rubies are the gold standard. Winza is one of the few locations that produces top-tier color naturally, without the need for thermal enhancement.

Size Scarcity: While small Winza rubies are still traded, pieces over 10 carats in the rough are rare. This 50+ ct lot represents a significant investment opportunity.

Pricing Trends:
Standard Raw Material: $80–$200 per gram.
Facet-Grade Transparent Rough: $1,000–$5,000+ per carat depending on the potential for a "clean" center.

--------------------

METAPHYSICAL & TRADITIONAL LORE

The Stone of Nobility: Ruby has been called the "King of Gemstones" for millennia, symbolizing power, passion, and protection.

Chakra Alignment: Directly linked to the Root Chakra (Muladhara), it is believed to ground the wearer while boosting physical energy and libido.

The Winza Energy: Practitioners believe that because Winza rubies are "raw and untempered" by heat, they carry a more potent, grounding earth energy compared to factory-treated stones.

Spiritual Protection: Traditional lore suggests that rubies can warn the wearer of impending danger and help resolve disputes with a sense of calm authority.