Giant Soviet Laser Ruby Rod, Polished

This is a super classic ruby laser rod, old surplus left over from the Soviet Union.  It's basically the opposite answer to the Star Wars laser rubies, with a similar pink-red tint.  This would have likely been grown by the Czochralski method--it is polished all around and only has minor chipping on the end faces.  Overall it's an incredible piece and would also make amazing rough for gemstones if you could bear to cut it up. The rod measures 15.8mm in diameter and 24cm in length and weighs in at 189g.