Andradite var. Demantoid Garnet (superb TN)

Item Description

A large thumbnail, perfect and balanced , featuring a single isolated dramatic gem demantoid crystal sitting on a pedestal, makes this a competition-worthy thumbnail specimen! This textbook-shaped, jewel-like demantoid crystal measuring 1.4 cm in length sits proudly atop the matrix, all complete 360 degrees for viewing. It is complete ALL AROUND and has excellent luster and color to it! Small parts of several back faces show unusual (for garnet) incipient hoppered growth patterning. Even the matrix is interesting on these - itself made of garnet that has replaced previous limestone and fossil coral by metasomatization (a process where under heat and pressure and with the right fluids, the matrix itself metamorphosed from limestone) . While most of these were more olive-green or yellower in hue, the best have deeper green colors and this is a glassy and gemmy, jewel-like, richly green color. Overall, an outstanding, full-sized thumbnail specimen! This would have come out circa 2010.