Andradite var. Demantoid-Topazolite
stock #20.1-468
Val Malenco, Sondrio Province
Lombardy,
Italy
6.4 x 2.7 x 1.5 CM (cabinet)
price: $390
new year 2021
Classic Garnet specimen from the Malenco Valley of Italy collected in the late 1890's. There are some pale yellowish and darker green Andradite crystals on this matrix which has a tiny bit of adhering Asbestos. This is more Demantoid than Topaziolite despite the label that accompanies the specimen. The Garnets are translucent to slightly transparent, typically showing some rounded areas and what seems like face etching. These are well-exposed from the matrix and in good condition. Garnets from this very old mineralized zone have an immediately recognizable look unlike any others. A choice old European garnet.
Andradite - large parallel position crystals
stock #20-FC-034-(9133)
Lac D Amiante, Black Lake Mine, LAB Mine, Chaudiere-Appalaches
Québec,
Canada
4.1 x 2.9 x 2.4 CM (miniature)
price: $900
Spring 2020
Flattened habit mint green crystals often called "Demantoid" are in a stacked alignment with almost no matrix present. From the now classic finds made over 25 years ago at Black Lake, these Garnets are far larger than the average and this is an incredibly enormous cluster, the largest we have ever seen. The biggest garnet in the cluster is over 2.2 CM across, it is huge for this locale where most are 2-3mm in size only. Translucent with some tiny areas of transparency, the luster is moderate, some faces are glassy but others are slightly dusted with and included by tiny needles of Pectolite with gives a more matte effect. In excellent condition at 20X magnification no damage or chips can be found which is also quite rare. For some reason many of the larger crystals we have seen had unusual or distorted habits including this sort of flattening. A very choice and huge green Andradite.
Andradite var Demantoid
stock #18.1-695
Tubussis Farm 22, Daures
Erongo Region,
Namibia
6.2 x 5.4 x 4.2 CM (cabinet)
price: $875
A fine cluster of stacked Demantoid Garnets that contrasts well with the matrix. Excellent color and luster, the main Garnets are 2.6 CM tall and in fine condition. No damage seen even under high magnification. The matrix is a mix of Quartz, Calcite and Prehnite, this holds several smaller Andradites as well. These were big mineral news a few years ago when they were more available, these are now quite scarce.
Andradite var. Demantoid- classic locality
stock #18.1-168
Sferiun Asbestos Mine, Vallone del Cengiaccio, Vaitellina, Sondrio Provi
Lombardy,
Italy
6.8 x 5.9 x 2.9 CM (cabinet)
price: $475
Spring update
Choice Val Malenco Garnet specimen with several waxy green rounded Demantoid crystals perched on typical Amphibole matrix. The elongation of the 2.1 CM main crystal is impressive, and shows complex rounded faces. Classic specimen, these have always been prized and this is an older piece, sawn on the back as is common to enable collecting intact. The matrix has some cracks that may be old repairs or typical weakness in the fibrous structure of the matrix. Well above average quality best appreciated in person
Top color and luster, bright sparkling gem Garnets are perched on a contrasting matrix of micro Garnets from white to pale green. In perfect condition damage-wise, this is far better in person as the crystals are more brilliant than can be photographed. The color change from daylight to incandescent is also quite striking, daylight (or good led lighting) brings out an intense apple-green as seen, the last photo shows the color by incandescent lighting. We searched out and examined a lot of the best Demantoids from Madagascar and only a few we consider great values. This is one that stands out.
Andradite v. Demantoid with Quartz and Diopside
stock #13.1-372
Merelani, Umba Valley, Lelatama Mountains, Arusha Region
Arusha Region,
Tanzania
5.1 x 3.1 x 2.8 CM (small cabinet/ large miniature)
price: $485
Winter 2016-17
A really cute, bright specimen covered in sharp, gem grade Demantoid Garnets offset by a Quartz crystal. Finds of these Garnets have been sporadic and very few have had this sculptural form, grown on a Diopside base. The Garnets fully cover the matrix on all sides, the smallest are a yellow color and the largest as seen are the Demantoid green. In great condition, damage-free and very lustrous, this is much better in person.
A cluster of intergrown, rich deep green gem crystals perched on a crystalline matrix. From the major find made in 2006, these were quickly absorbed into the market and disappeared. A very esthetic example of this uncommon variant, the largest crystal is 1.5 cm and is perched on other crystals. Far better in person! These show complex, lustrous faces and are undamaged.
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