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1.9" Black Andradite (Melanite) Garnet Cluster - Kazakhstan
This is a beautiful andradite garnet cluster of the melanite variety. This melanite cluster was collected from the Sokolovskoe Iron Mines of Kostanay Province, Kazakhstan. The garnets are all deep black in color and display superb luster. There is a small association of pyrite on what could be considered the top this specimen.
Andradite is a species of the Garnet group, and although not as well-known as some other types of Garnets such as Almandine or Pyrope, it is the most lustrous. It tends to be opaque, so most andradite does not make for good gemstones. It occurs in skarns developed in contact metamorphosed impure limestones or calcic igneous rocks; in chlorite schists and serpentinites and in alkalic igneous rocks (typically titaniferous).
Garnets are nesosilicates having the general formula X3Y2(Si O4)3. There are many species of garnet which are pyrope, almandine, spessartine, uvarovite, andradite and grossular (varieties of which are hessonite or cinnamon-stone and tsavorite).
Andradite is a species of the Garnet group, and although not as well-known as some other types of Garnets such as Almandine or Pyrope, it is the most lustrous. It tends to be opaque, so most andradite does not make for good gemstones. It occurs in skarns developed in contact metamorphosed impure limestones or calcic igneous rocks; in chlorite schists and serpentinites and in alkalic igneous rocks (typically titaniferous).
Garnets are nesosilicates having the general formula X3Y2(Si O4)3. There are many species of garnet which are pyrope, almandine, spessartine, uvarovite, andradite and grossular (varieties of which are hessonite or cinnamon-stone and tsavorite).
About Pyrite
The mineral pyrite, also known as iron pyrite, is commonly referred to as Fool's Gold because its metallic luster and pale brass-yellow hue give it a superficial resemblance to gold. In the old mining days, pyrite was sometimes mistaken for gold.
It is the most common of the sulfide minerals with the chemical formula FeS2. Pyrite crystals occur in many shapes and habits, including cubes of all sizes, penetration twin cubes, pyritohedral clusters and as small druzy crystals that can exhibit a beautiful glistening effect.
The mineral pyrite, also known as iron pyrite, is commonly referred to as Fool's Gold because its metallic luster and pale brass-yellow hue give it a superficial resemblance to gold. In the old mining days, pyrite was sometimes mistaken for gold.
It is the most common of the sulfide minerals with the chemical formula FeS2. Pyrite crystals occur in many shapes and habits, including cubes of all sizes, penetration twin cubes, pyritohedral clusters and as small druzy crystals that can exhibit a beautiful glistening effect.
SPECIES
Andradite var. Melanite
LOCATION
Sokolovskoe Iron Mine (Sokolovskiy Mine; Sokol'noye Mine), Kostanay Province, Kazakhstan
SIZE
1.9 x 1.7"
CATEGORY
ITEM
#102448
