Rough Vietnamese Pink Spinel Crystal, 26.5 carats

This specimen is a large, rough-cut natural pink spinel crystal originating from Vietnam, weighing approximately 26.5 carats. Physically, the gem exhibits a vibrant, saturated pink to deep rose-red color with notable vitreous luster. The crystal structure shows semi-translucent to transparent clarity, though it is heavily included with internal fractures, silk-like tubes, and crystalline veining throughout the body of the stone. Its overall form is irregular and water-worn or partially etched, lacking the sharp octahedral faces commonly associated with well-preserved spinel crystals, suggesting it was likely recovered from an alluvial deposit. Surface texture is rugged with visible conchoidal fracture patterns and some minor dark mineral inclusions or matrix remnants trapped within the fissures. While the size is significant for a spinel, the high density of internal inclusions and fractures impacts its potential for faceted clarity, making it more suitable as a collector's mineral specimen or for artistic carving. The craftsmanship is purely natural, shaped by geological forces over millions of years, representing the high-quality spinel production typical of the Luc Yen district in Vietnam, known for producing world-class neon-toned pink and red spinels.