Andradite Garnet (var: Demantoid) (large specimen - classic material)

Item Description

It's quite rare that one encounters a LARGE CABINET display specimen of this classic material from Italy. This beautiful and showy piece features many brilliantly lustrous, sharp, rich green dodecahedral crystals of the famous Demantoid Garnets from the classic Sferlun Asbestos Mine, in Val Malenco in the Italian Alps. The Garnets are associated with minor fibrous off-white color Chrysotile/Asbestos. The largest individual crystal measures approximately 7 mm across. The piece is in very good condition with only a few tiny imperfections that I can see with the naked eye. As you can see it looks beautiful when displayed. It is very difficult to obtain such large and SHOWY specimens from Sferlun, and Garnets in general simply are not found in seven inch display pieces! A remarkable specimen for any fan of worldwide Garnets, Alpine minerals or minerals from Italy. Valued $3,500.
From the collection of the recently deceased Alvaro Lucio, arguably the most well-known and accomplished mineral dealer and collector in Brazil. Alvaro graduated with a degree in civil engineering, mining and metallurgy from the Escola de Minas de Ouro Preto in 1949. He began his PhD in the United States and completed it at the Federal University of Minas Gerais. He worked as a professor of extractive metallurgy at UFMG, and also as a technical consultant for several companies in the sector. He was the author of several works, published in books and magazines around the world. He received several honors for his contribution to the development of metallurgy and the introduction of metallurgical physical chemistry in Brazil. His knowledge, solicitousness and enthusiasm will be greatly missed in the mineral world.