Andradite (var. Melanite)

What is basically a mass of pure andradite, this specimen features one nice 25mm crystal perched atop a base of smaller crystals. The main crystal has sharp, dodecahedral forms and is accompanied by some smaller, intergrown garnets. Price is less than you might expect because the main crystal has a bruise on one side. Fortunately, this is hardly noticeable when on display and is only really visible when viewed from the side. This bruise is not to be mistaken with the small ring of what appears to be epidote on one corner where three faces meet. Looks great!
This is an example of one of three types of andradite garnet, namely the variety Melanite, named after the Greek word "melanos", meaning black, due to the presence of Titanium. These intergrown dodecahedral crystals occur in skarn zones in contact metamorphosed, impure limestones. The matrix is composed of massive albite, a plagioclase feldspar mineral. From the famous Draa-Tafilalet region of Morocco.

DDJ