Reviews
1.7" Yellow Andradite-Grossular Garnet Cluster with Clinochlore - Mali
This is a gorgeous cluster of lustrous, yellow andradite-grossular series garnets mined in the Kayes Region of Mali. They are naturally associated with sheets of clinochlore.
This specimen has bee mounted to an acrylic base with mineral tack.
This specimen has bee mounted to an acrylic base with mineral tack.
Andradite is a species of the garnet group, and although not as well-known as some other types of garnets, such as Almandine or pyrope, it is the most lustrous. It tends to be opaque, so most andradite is not gemstone-quality. It occurs in skarns developed in contact-metamorphosed impure limestones or calcic igneous rocks; in chlorite schists and serpentinites; and in alkalic igneous rocks, often titaniferous.
Andradite comes in three varieties: melanite, colored by titanium substitutions for iron in its formula; topazolite, a rare and yellow-green variety; and demantoid, a striking green variety that is one of the world's rarest and most valuable gemstones.
Recently, rich deposits of andradite and grossular garnets have been discovered in contact-metamorphic deposits in the Republic of Mali. This find is one of the largest garnet deposits that produces commercial amounts of material.
Andradite comes in three varieties: melanite, colored by titanium substitutions for iron in its formula; topazolite, a rare and yellow-green variety; and demantoid, a striking green variety that is one of the world's rarest and most valuable gemstones.
Recently, rich deposits of andradite and grossular garnets have been discovered in contact-metamorphic deposits in the Republic of Mali. This find is one of the largest garnet deposits that produces commercial amounts of material.
SPECIES
Andradite-Grossular Garnet & Clinochlore
LOCATION
Arrondissement of Diakon, Bafoulabé Cercle, Kayes Region, Mali
SIZE
1.7 x 1.45"
CATEGORY
SUB CATEGORY
ITEM
#245208
