Margarite crystals in an unheated ruby from Mozambique

Automorphous margarite crystals (CaAl₂(Al₂Si₂O₁₀)(OH)₂) in an unheated ruby from Mozambique. The margarite crystals are surrounded by what look like healed fractures resulting from heat treatment that induced a dissolution/recristallisation mechanism. It has been suggested that these 'fractures' may be filled with margarite.

🔬 Micrograph: Patthamaporn Sukkasem.

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