Grossular Garnet with Vesuvianite (from 1965)

Item Description

A fantastic old-time specimen dating back to 1965 from the Sierra de Cruces, Mexico. These classic Garnets were attributed as coming from "Lake Jaco", but this was an erroneous designation, and the label is actually correct with the "Sierra de las Cruces" locale. Several robust, rather large, sharp, lustrous, textbook dodecahedral crystals of silvery-mauve colored Grossular measuring up to 5.2 cm across are associated with a stout prismatic crystal of rich golden colored Vesuvianite measuring 4.0 cm long, free of matrix. There is a bit of a greenish-brown hue that can be seen on the main Grossular crystal for a nice touch. Garnet, regardless of species, is rarely seen in crystals over 2 inches (!) like on this specimen, and if they are, the crystals are often crude and dull, so to find such sharp and well-formed euhedral crystals is a big deal. There is a bit of roughness in a few spots, but the piece is largely in great condition and it's a stellar example of what was come out of the ground in the mid 1960s. This particular style, especially with the Vesuvianite association is virtually unseen on the market today, and a piece of this size and quality is highly desirable for any fan of Garnets, Mexican minerals or attractive display specimens.
Valued $2,500.
From the collection of the beloved mineral dealer and collector Rock H. Currier (1940-2015). Collection #570. Rock was the long-time owner of Jewel Tunnel Imports (named after the large open vugs in basalt in India which were often filled with crystals). Rock travelled the world in search of mineral specimens, and built and impressive collection over his lifetime. He was one of the more colorful and unforgettable figures in the mineral world. You can read more about Rock at the following links: (https://mineralogicalrecord.com/biographies_labels/currierrock/) (https://www.mindat.org/user-2982.html) (https://www.rockcurrier.com/).