Large Stellate Dislocation in Spinel
Stellate dislocations decorate the interior of a greenish blue spinel believed to be from Vietnam. Photomicrograph by Ezgi Kiyak; field of view 4.79 mm.
The author recently examined a 4.49 ct greenish blue spinel exhibiting a prominent stellate inclusion characterized by a network of needle-like dislocations clustered in a six-rayed star pattern (see above). The inclusion was large enough to be readily observed without magnification.
Star-like needles have been previously documented in spinel originating from Vietnam. These findings contribute to our understanding of spinel and its origins, providing valuable information for gemologists. This is one of the most remarkable stellate inclusions the author has observed in a spinel.
