superb Spessartine Garnet (Bill Larson/Pala Intl. Coll.)

Item Description

Fantastic stepped-growth faces on this gorgeous cherry-red, gemmy, highly lustrous, blocky and sculptural floater spessartine crystal from the famous finds at Navegadora. This outstanding large crystal has dramatic 360-degree viewability under bright light! Every turn and tilt highlights another densely stepped-growth area of the crystal. Most of this stout crystal GLOWS, when backlit. Complete all-around and a pristine floater. An excellent article in a 2016 issue of Rocks & Minerals by John White, former Curator of Gems and Minerals at the Smithsonian provides an in-depth examination of this fantastic etched spessartine crystal phenomenon at the Navegadora Mine. This would be from finds in the early 2000s. A very substanial and rare large crystal at 109 grams mass. Most large crystals were cut into gemstones. This classy, fine piece was on display for many years at the California Pala store. Valued $2400