Reviews
.75" Iridescent, Rainbow Andradite Garnets - Norway
This is a stunning cluster of iridescent andradite garnets mined at Fem-minutter'n in Buskerud, Norway. The iridescence of these garnets is naturally occurring and can be attributed to two different types of lamellar structures. These lamellar structures cause predominantly thin-film interference and most likely diffraction of light.
A paper on this natural iridescent phenomenon in andradite garnets is linked below.
The Cause of Iridescence in Rainbow Andradite From Nara, Japan
The specimen measures .75" wide and has been mounted to an acrylic display base with mineral tack.
A paper on this natural iridescent phenomenon in andradite garnets is linked below.
The Cause of Iridescence in Rainbow Andradite From Nara, Japan
The specimen measures .75" wide and has been mounted to an acrylic display base with mineral tack.
About Iridescent Andradite Garnets From Norway
Rainbow andradite garnets from Norway are among the most striking—and rarest—garnet occurrences known. Found in only a few pockets at the Fem-minutter’n locality in Buskerud, these specimens feature lustrous andradite crystals that shimmer with vivid flashes of green, gold, red, and violet. The iridescence is entirely natural and exceptionally uncommon, produced by microscopic lamellar structures within the garnet. These ultra-thin layers generate thin-film interference and, in some cases, diffraction effects that split incoming light into spectral colors. Many pieces are associated with clear to smoky quartz, creating dramatic, high-contrast mineral clusters.
Only a very limited quantity of truly iridescent material has ever been collected in Norway, making these garnets highly sought after by collectors worldwide. The optical phenomenon parallels that seen in rare Japanese rainbow andradite, where variations in lamellae thickness and spacing create each specimen’s unique color pattern. With their rarity, scientific significance, and mesmerizing visual appeal, Norwegian rainbow andradite garnets stand as some of the most desirable garnet specimens on the market.
Rainbow andradite garnets from Norway are among the most striking—and rarest—garnet occurrences known. Found in only a few pockets at the Fem-minutter’n locality in Buskerud, these specimens feature lustrous andradite crystals that shimmer with vivid flashes of green, gold, red, and violet. The iridescence is entirely natural and exceptionally uncommon, produced by microscopic lamellar structures within the garnet. These ultra-thin layers generate thin-film interference and, in some cases, diffraction effects that split incoming light into spectral colors. Many pieces are associated with clear to smoky quartz, creating dramatic, high-contrast mineral clusters.
Only a very limited quantity of truly iridescent material has ever been collected in Norway, making these garnets highly sought after by collectors worldwide. The optical phenomenon parallels that seen in rare Japanese rainbow andradite, where variations in lamellae thickness and spacing create each specimen’s unique color pattern. With their rarity, scientific significance, and mesmerizing visual appeal, Norwegian rainbow andradite garnets stand as some of the most desirable garnet specimens on the market.
$65
SPECIES
Andradite
LOCATION
Fem-minutter'n, Bragernes, Drammen, Buskerud, Norway
SIZE
.75 x .6"
CATEGORY
SUB CATEGORY
ITEM
#342325
