DESCRIPTION: This natural Spinel crystal from Mogok displays a remarkably rich and mature red colouration, characterised by deep red wine tonalities that immediately distinguish it from brighter crimson or cherry red examples. The colour possesses notable depth and concentration, creating a refined chromatic character that remains highly attractive under both ambient and transmitted light. Under normal illumination, the specimen presents a dark red wine appearance with subtle burgundy and garnet undertones. The saturation remains strong throughout the crystal, producing a colour that feels dense, elegant and visually substantial rather than overly bright. This restrained intensity is one of the characteristics that gives the specimen its distinctive identity. When illuminated from behind, however, the optical behaviour changes dramatically. The darker wine coloured body becomes increasingly translucent and reveals vibrant internal flashes ranging from vivid raspberry red to luminous magenta pink. This transformation creates a striking contrast between the crystal's more reserved appearance under ambient light and its highly expressive internal colour under transmitted illumination. The morphology is distinctly freeform, shaped entirely through natural geological processes. Unlike crystals displaying well developed euhedral forms, this specimen exhibits softly rounded contours combined with preserved growth surfaces and natural dissolution features. These characteristics create an organic sculptural appearance that feels both powerful and naturally evolved. The surface displays a combination of smooth natural planes, shallow growth features and subtle dissolution textures. These elements interact dynamically with light, producing shifting reflections that enhance both colour saturation and depth perception across the crystal. Transparency varies throughout the specimen. Certain zones remain more opaque under normal observation, while others become significantly more transparent when exposed to direct transmitted light. This variation contributes to the stone's complex visual behaviour and reinforces the perception of internal depth. The lustre remains vitreous across preserved natural surfaces. Even without polishing or artificial enhancement, the crystal displays attractive reflections that highlight the inherent optical qualities of fine spinel. Recovered from the legendary Mogok Stone Tract of Myanmar, one of the most celebrated gemstone localities in the world, this specimen represents an excellent example of naturally preserved spinel displaying strong colour saturation, expressive light behaviour and authentic geological character. This is a natural, untreated and unpolished Spinel crystal where colour, transparency and morphology combine to create a specimen of strong visual and collector appeal. SPECIFICATIONS: • Weight: 0.27 g • Weight in carats: 1.35 ct • Dimensions: 8 × 6 × 4 mm • Origin: Mogok Stone Tract, Myanmar • Mineral species: Spinel • Chemical formula: MgAl₂O₄ • Crystal system: Isometric • Crystal habit: Natural freeform crystal with preserved growth and dissolution features • Colour: Deep Red Wine Red • Secondary tones: Burgundy and Garnet Red • Colour distribution: Strong and homogeneous • Optical behaviour: Raspberry red to vivid magenta pink under transmitted light • Transparency: Translucent • Lustre: Vitreous • Surface features: Natural growth textures and dissolution structures • Treatment: None • Condition: Natural, unpolished, untreated NOTABLE POINTS: • Rich and highly saturated Red Wine colour Displays mature burgundy red tonalities rarely seen in naturally preserved spinel crystals. • Strong chromatic transformation under backlighting Colour shifts from deep wine red to vivid raspberry and magenta tones. • Excellent internal luminosity Transmitted light reveals impressive colour depth and internal transparency. • Attractive freeform morphology Natural contours create a sculptural and organic appearance. • Preserved natural growth features Surface structures record the crystal's geological evolution. • Visible dissolution textures Natural surface modification enhances authenticity and character. • Strong visual depth Combination of colour saturation and translucency creates pronounced internal dimension. • Vitreous natural lustre Reflections remain bright despite the absence of polishing. • Untreated and completely natural specimen No cutting, heating or artificial enhancement. • Mogok provenance Originating from one of the most prestigious spinel producing regions in the world. • High aesthetic impact Displays two distinctly different visual personalities depending on illumination. • Excellent collector presentation Combines colour, morphology and geological authenticity in a single specimen. COLLECTOR'S INTEREST: Spinels from Mogok occupy a special position among collector gemstones due to the locality's long standing reputation for producing some of the world's finest coloured crystals. Natural specimens displaying strong saturation while retaining their original morphology are particularly appreciated because they preserve both gemological and mineralogical value. This specimen distinguishes itself through its sophisticated Red Wine colouration. Rather than displaying a simple red appearance, it reveals a deeper and more mature chromatic character that transitions into vivid raspberry and magenta tones when illuminated. This dual optical behaviour significantly enhances its visual appeal. Collectors are often drawn to specimens capable of revealing hidden colour under transmitted light, as these stones offer a more dynamic viewing experience. In this crystal, the transformation from dark wine red to luminous internal pink red tones creates precisely that effect. The combination of Mogok provenance, strong saturation, preserved natural surfaces and expressive light behaviour makes this a highly attractive specimen for collectors of fine spinel and natural gemstone crystals. LAPIDARY POTENTIAL: The crystal possesses attractive colour saturation and translucency that could support lapidary consideration. Proper orientation would likely retain strong red colour while allowing the brighter internal raspberry and magenta tones to contribute additional vibrancy. However, any cutting would permanently remove the natural morphology, surface textures and geological features that currently define the specimen's identity. Its present value lies not only in its colour but also in the preservation of its natural crystal character. For this reason, the specimen is best appreciated as a natural crystal where colour, structure and geological history remain fully preserved. ————— Shipping and Handling: All orders are shipped by Portuguese National Post and UPS. • Dispatch time: within 1 to 3 business days after payment confirmation to Catawiki • Transit time service: between 2 to 5 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