TOPAZOLITE (YELLOW ANDRADITE GARNETS) SPECIMENS

Topazolite is an uncommon yellow variety of andradite garnet. Topazolite is named for its resemblance to the mineral topaz, though this likeness is only visual and the two are chemically unrelated. Topazolite usually forms bright, translucent yellow, brown-yellow, or yellow-green dodecahedral crystals. While crystals are generally small, they are hard enough to cut into faceted gems. Their rarity and attractive, glossy appearance make them very valuable to collectors and are a staple of the gem trade.