Slab of Corundum-Sapphire in Host Rock, 44 x 32 x 3.5 mm, from British Columbia, Canada

This unique, unpolished slab offers a remarkable cross-section of a rare Canadian alpine discovery. Cut right here in my Saskatoon lapidary studio, this corundum-bearing specimen originates from a remote, high-alpine occurrence in the Revelstoke region of British Columbia. The deposit was originally discovered by the late Canadian prospector Herb Hyder, a great friend of mine. Today, the claim is owned by Rock Rush, who hand-mined and supplied this incredible material.

While left unpolished, the surfaces on this specimen can be oiled or sealed with epoxy to bring out its full colour and make the matrix pop. This piece is versatile for collectors; however, I do not think this piece would make suitable lapidary rough, as the sapphire is very fractured. The joy from this piece comes from its spectacular reaction to ultraviolet light; the corundum in this piece reacts fiercely, glowing with a striking dual soft pink and bright red fluorescence.