"Raspberry" Grossular Garnets (Whitmore Coll.)

Item Description

Vivid raspberry-red, lustrous, translucent grossular garnet dodecahedrons, to 1.6 cm, are richly scattered on the undulating quartz matrix on this impressive large example from the Sierra de Cruces. These famous red grossular garnets have graced many important collections and are from the famous Mexican finds of the late 1990s and early 2000's. Large pieces are for some reason quite uncommon. The skarn they form in gets broken either naturally or in collecting, and so few of this size would have been on the market. There is A LOT OF COLOR spread out on that stark sculptural matrix. These garnets are called "raspberry" garnets by many people for their unique color and sharp form. The crystal distribution and isolation are especially noteworthy on this fine large piece. A broken garnet reveals the interesting black interior. Today, they are rare on the market although they were common for a time. Still, a piece of this size, richness and quality was not common, even 12-13 years ago when they were fresh. This fine piece displays well without aid. From the Robert Whitmore Collection. Valued $1000.