Andradite (var "Demantoid")

Item Description

The asbestos mine at Sferlun is one of the most famous Garnet localities in the world. This locality has produced some of the most easily recognizable Demantoids extant. This specimen was part of the famous Magistretti collection in Italy. It features dozens of very sharp, lustrous, bright green color dodecahedra of Andradite ("Demantoid") intermixed with fibrous asbestos on matrix. The crystals are all very well-formed, with smooth faces and good reflective luster. Many of the Demantoids from this locality are dull and distorted, but these crystals are very pleasing to the eye. A great representative display specimen of this classic material from the Italian Alps!