Andradite

This small cabinet specimen features numerous lustrous, dark brown to nearly black andradite garnet crystals displaying classic dodecahedral forms. The crystals are well formed and intergrown, with layered growth evident on many faces. While there is some minor bruising present, the specimen remains a strong and very representative example from this classic locality.

The piece originates from the extensive skarn zone of the Marmoraton Iron Mine near Marmora, Ontario. This former open-pit iron mine operated primarily from the 1950s until its closure in 1977 and is well known among collectors for producing a variety of skarn minerals, including garnet, diopside, epidote, and axinite. Andradite from Marmoraton is particularly appreciated for its dark coloration and sharp crystal forms. According to mindat.org, this deposit was visited on July 24th, 2003. The partially water-filled open pit was viewed at the site. Activity on the site is limited to Canada Talc and Aecon Ltd. Canada Talc is utilizing the mill buildings to upgrade their talc from their mine in Huntingdon Township while Aecon continues to crush and ship the limestone caprock for aggregrate.

This specimen comes from the collection of Peter Tarassoff and was collected by him at the site in 2006, adding both provenance and historical interest to this fine Canadian garnet specimen.