Grossular (var: Hessonite) with Clinochlore (ex Dave Bergman Collection)

Item Description

Here's one of the great European Alpine "classics". One of the most recognized associations from the Alps are the beautiful red Grossular and green Clinochlore combinations from Italy. This piece features many fine, sharp, lustrous, gemmy orange color dodecahedral crystals with trapezohedral modifications of Grossular (variety: Hessonite) measuring around 2-3 mm with attractive green "books" of Clinochlore. A lovely specimen for anyone interested in Italian Alpine mineral specimens. This piece was collected in the 1840s according to the label. From the collection of Colorado mining legend, Dave Bergman. Dave is now retired, but among other things, he was the foreman and primary person in charge of recovering specimens at the famous Sweet Home Mine near Alma, Colorado during the late 1970s. He is also the maternal grandfather of Brian Kosnar. See Dave's photo mining at the Sweet Home on page 58 of Peter Bancroft's book "Gem and Crystal Treasures". The piece was given to Dave as a gift by his son-in-law, Rich Kosnar and the hand-written label from Kosnar accompanies the piece.