Large Uvarovite Garnet (Type Locality) with Calcite

Item Description

Two generations of scintillating, gemmy, emerald-green uvarovite garnet crystals really sparkle on the hefty chromite matrix on this very rich and excellent large plate from the Type Locality in Russia - the Saranovskii Mine in the Urals. The larger, darker crystals really look like emeralds, are up to 2 mm and have textbook dodecahedral form. Uvarovite is the uncommon calcium chromium garnet group endmember. The two clusters of glassy, white calcite are a super contrast and accent! The back has been sawed to enhance the display quality. Specimens of this quality haven't been available since the early 1990s, except for a few old lots resurfacing. THIS IS ONE OF THE VERY BEST LARGE PLATE REMAINING IN OUR INVENTORY OF THIS MATERIAL, ALL PURCHASED FROM AN OLD COLLECTION.