Andradite Garnets In Matrix - Kayes Region, Mali

About Garnets From Mali

Garnets from the Kayes region of western Mali are celebrated for their remarkable brilliance and distinctive yellow-green hues. These gems belong to the grossular–andradite “grandite” series, a compositional blend that gives them both the warm, honeyed tones of grossular and the high refractive index and sparkle associated with andradite. The result is a vibrant palette ranging from chartreuse and golden yellow to olive and brown-green, often with exceptional internal clarity. Their strong luster and diamond-like fire make Mali garnets stand out among other garnet varieties, especially in faceted stones where their brilliance is fully realized.

Geologically, Kayes garnets form within contact-metamorphosed calcareous rocks, where heat and fluids from intrusive igneous bodies fused chemical components to create these hybrid garnets. The region’s deposits often produce sharp dodecahedral and trapezohedral crystals, some of which yield high-grade gem rough prized by cutters and collectors. Production from Kayes has been sporadic in recent years, making fine material increasingly sought after in the mineral and gemstone market. Their combination of rarity, vivid color, and exceptional optical properties has solidified Mali garnets as one of the most desirable modern garnet discoveries.