$245Median
1Sold (12 mo)
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Melanite specimens for sale
13 for sale · $210–$370 USD
10 in the gallery
Melanite is a variety of andradite garnet that appears as lustrous, black to dark brown crystals. Its opaque to subtranslucent facets display a vitreous to resinous luster and a characteristic dodecahedral or robust crystal habit suitable for display. The mineral occurs in complex metamorphic and skarn environments where iron-rich garnet forms alongside calcic and silicate assemblages, with notable collections originating from classic localities around Mali, Mexico, the United States, Chile and Germany.
- Formula
- Ca3(Fe3+,Ti)2(SiO4)3
- Rarity
- Common
- Stability
- Stable
- Collector interest
- High Interest
- Classification notes
- Nesosilicate mineral; Garnet group (Andradite species group)
Key characteristics
- Crystal system
- isometric
- Mohs hardness
- 6.5–7
- Specific gravity
- 3.7–4.1
- Luster
- vitreous, resinous
- Transparency
- translucent, opaque
- Color
- black, brown
- Streak
- white
- Cleavage
- none
- Fracture
- conchoidal, uneven
- Crystal habit
- dodecahedral, equant, granular, massive
- Gem mineral
- Classic / historic
Buy Melanite specimens
View all 13Where Melanite is found
Top localities
- Kouri 1 diggings13 specimens
- Benitoite Gem Mine2 specimens
- Chile1 specimen
- Chihuahua1 specimen
- Diakon1 specimen
- Kayes Region1 specimen
- New Idria Mining District1 specimen
- Ojos Españoles Mine1 specimen
About Melanite
Collectors value melanite for its dramatic color and the contrast it provides in mineral cabinets, especially when faceted or mounted to expose its deep, glassy surface. Fine specimens often come with sharp edges and high-clarity dark coloration that captures light, making for striking display pieces. While not as widespread as common garnets, melanite from select localities is sought after for its rarity and the way it highlights the diversity of garnet chemistries within metamorphic suites.
