Garnet on Chalcopyrite ore

Item Description

Almost certainly, this unusual matrix specimen of garnet is almandine. I am not exactly sure which subspecies, though, as I have never seen one clearly identified from this old locale (pieces from here date back to the mid 1800s!). There is one, large 2.4 cm-across, lustrous, reddish-brown crystal which exhibits spectacular red internal highlights.It is perched aesthetically atop the matrix. Complete all around, and showing excellent crystallography, I suspect this is a MAJOR crystal for the locale. The matrix is a hefty CHALCOPYRITE ORE - highly unusual matrix for garnets! In fact, I cannot recall seeing the like from anywhere else. I value this highly, at $750-1000 and perhaps more. I have just never seen the equal from here, and it blows away the few I have seen. From the collection of Dr James Gebel, who purchased it out of an old collection himself.