Gemmy Chondrodite xls (Al Ordway Coll.)

Item Description

Chondrodite is an uncommon magnesium, iron silicate found in contact metamorphic rocks and carbonatites. Not too many localities produce gemmy crystals, but this well-known South African locale produces about the best gemmy, cherry-red crystals from anywhere and this is a fine example. Chondrodite crystals to 6 mm are nicely scattered on the quartz-rich matrix, which is peppered sharp, micro magnetite octahedrons and green clinochlore crystals. Crystals of this quality are very rare for this species. Ex Al Ordway Collection, a noted California collector and purchased from Demetrius Pohl, a well known African specialist and collector, in 1994. It was valued at $150 in his estate