huge Garnet crystal (Rhodolite)

Item Description

Huge and rare large Rhodolite garnet nodule from Brumado, Brazil. Rhodolite was "originally a rose-red gem variety of Pyrope. Current usage has extended the name to any pink garnet in the Almandine-Pyrope Series with most of the occurrences in the Almandine compositional field" (per MINDAT). The dodecahedron, beveled with trapezohedral faces, appears to be naturally river worn. Portions are highly lustrous and have gorgeous areas of beautiful cranberry-red gemminess next to nearly opaque glassy, dark cherry red. Embedded iron oxides are a nice contrast. This is very rare rhodolite, for both extreme size and locale. Complete all-around and pristine. Mass is 1329 grams or 2.9 pounds and is very impressive. The identification is per the previous owner, Dick Hauck. This rounded huge crystal/nodule would make excellent carving rough for a lapidary project with garnet! But, it is also a highly educational garnet specimen. We have simply never seen this material for sale in such size, and I am told it is quite old.