Andradite garnet ( var. Melanite )

LOCATION:

New Idria District, near Benitoite Gem Mine, San Benito County, California, USA

DESCRIPTION:

Highly lustrous, jet-black Andradite (v. Melanite) garnets cover and nicely contrast with tan matrix. The Melanite garnets range up to 6 mm. This locality is mostly mined out, and access to the area is restricted by the US government, so only specimens recycled from old collections are available. From the Earl Calvert collection, circa 1940s to 1950s, with his original label. Almost all the crystals are complete and undamaged.

SIZE: 100 x 65 x 40 mm overall (Large Cabinet)
         with up to 6 mm crystals

COLLECTION: ex. Earl Calvert collection