Almandine Garnet w/ Biotite (excellent - classic Colorado) Kidwell Coll.

Item Description

RARE and outstanding intergrown cluster of sharp almandine garnet crystals with high lustre and striking , impressive translucence from the well-known Sedalia Mine of Colorado. The garnets, to 5.7 cm, are dodecahedrons beveled with trapezohedral faces. The lustrous crystals, nicely accented with patches of biotite are a deep wine-red with flashes of orange-red color under normal light. BUT - bright light brings out classic and beautiful cherry-red gemmy/translucent areas! Few almandines from here have this amount of gemminess, as most garnets from here have limited to no translucence. The extinct Cu-Pb-Zn-Au-Ag Sedalia Mine is famous for almandine crystals. From the worldwide mineral collection of Albert Lewis Kidwell (January 1, 1919 - August 16, 2008) and acquired from Rick Shaw in 1978. Al was a well-known mineral collector and research geologist with Carter Oil Company and later Exxon Oil Company in Houston, Texas. The phosphate species Kidwellite was named in his honor in 1974. An exceptional and pristine 360-degree classic from the locale. A MUST for the species or Colorado collector.