This is a beautiful thumbnail size Spinel from Mahenge, Morogoro Region, Tanzania. This crystal is a deep red with hints of purple.
Crystal Dimension: 2 cm (0.8”) x 1.8 cm (0.73”)
Crystal Weight: 10.7 grams
Spinel is a mineral that owes its beautiful color to chromium, much like rubies and emeralds do.
The chemical formula for Spinel is:
MgAl₂O₄