Almandine Garnet in Schist

Item Description

A classic example of the famous old Austrian garnets which exhibit such wonderful crystallography despite their large size (to 5 cm, here). This specimen I particularly like because it is preserved au naturale...so many of these have the surfaces slightly buffed by the collectors or dealers in olden times to make them "pretty" - but to me, that practice ruins the piece in some ways. A trivial bit of bruising is noted, but is certainly a modest detraction to the overall impact of this striking large piece. This is one of the better unadulterated (not buffed or polished) specimens of the material I have had, for its overall size and aesthetics. Valued at $900-1200.