Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, is the location of the famous Mogok gem region. For hundreds of years this area has been the source of fabulous rubies, sapphires, spinels, and other gem materials. Shown above is a great example of how natural spinel crystals occur as beautiful little octahedral crystals suspended in a milky white matrix of calcite. This specimen has a well-formed crystal (shown above) peeking from the calcite matrix. The deep red color of the spinel, and the contrasting white of the calcite, is very attractive. (Spinel specimen #M354 $22.50 Sold) Back

Because of the repressive government currently in power in Myanmar, the US government has placed a ban on the import of gems and minerals from this country. Specimens such as that above (obtained before the ban) may be in short supply until the US law, and conditions in Myanmar, change.