Almandine (classic material) (ex Franceso Bedogne Collection)

Item Description

One of the most iconic minerals and localities in far southeastern Alaska! These Almandine specimens are certainly well-known among collectors, and they seemed to have all but disappeared from the market in recent years. They are nearly as red as any species of Garnet gets, and they are often have very good sized crystals on the slivery-grey Biotite schist matrix. This specimen hosts a well-formed, dodecahedral crystal (with trapezohedral modifications) which is aesthetically perched atop the contrasting, almost metallic schist matrix. The Almandine measures 1.5 cm across. The crystal is VERY sharp and lustrous for the locality, and shows a gorgeous deep wine red color when backlit. A beautiful and displayable specimen of this famous material. From the worldwide collection of famed Italian mineral collector, field collector and author, Francesco Bedogne of Sondrio, Italy (Collection #215). The label mistakenly mentions that the locality lies within British Columbia AND Alaska, but this is a simple mistake as the river runs right through the border and Wrangell Island is right next to British Columbia. Bedogne wrote dozens of articles and several books about the mineralogy of Italian Alpine localities such as Val Bregaglia, Val Masino, Val Codera, Val Spluga, Valtellina and the famous Val Malenco. He was also the founder of the Valtellinese Mineralogical Institute.