Andradite with Epidote, Diopside and Clinochlore on Calcite

Item Description

For some time, we were told that these Andradites were coming out of Pakistan, but several individuals have confirmed that they are indeed from the Nangarhar Province in Afghanistan. Despite the fact that this province is incredibly well-known for its pegmatite minerals (Tourmaline, Spodumene, etc.), these specimens are actually from a metamorphic skarn deposit. These are some of the recognizable Garnets around, and the beautiful contrasting colors of the various associated species make for some eye-catching specimens. This piece hosts sharp, lustrous, rich red-brown, well-formed dodecahedra of Andradite which are associated with brilliant green colored Epidote, plus bluish-green Diopside and "rosette" of Clinochlore on very rarely seen Calcite matrix. Very few of the pieces from this locality are found on Calcite, but it's classic for calcic skarn deposits like this. The largest Andradite measures 4 mm across, and most of them are damage free. An attractive little association specimen from this interesting occurence in Afghanistan. Beautiful to view up close!