Andradite Garnet var. Topazolite

Item Description

San Benito County in California is world famous for Benitoite and Neptunite but it also has produced some amazing Andradite specimens including a variety known as Topazolite. Given this name for its resemblance with Topaz in color and transparency. This piece is an uncommon "knob" with blanket coverage that is festooned with intergrown sparkling golden honey-brown Topazolite crystals. It is unusually rich and displayable. So many of these have either limited crystals or are flat plates, however this curated piece from the Bill Larson Garnet Collection, stands out not only due to the 3 dimensionality aesthetics but also the intense color of the individual crystals. The dodecahedral crystals, up to 6.5mm in size, have a superb glassy luster with an almost zoned internal gemmy fire! The piece is nearly damage free except for a small periphery area at the base. This is an outstanding example of a San Benito Topazolite that would fit in any Garnet collection or California minerals collection. Ex. Bill Larson Collection from his garnet suite, mostly assembled in the 1970s-1980s. This specimen dates from that time, as well, and is valued $1000-2000.