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Melanite specimens for sale

13 for sale · $210–$370 USD

1 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)

Buy Melanite specimens

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Melanite from Kouri 1 diggings, Kayes Region, Mali image
Melanite from Kouri 1 diggings, Kayes Region, Mali
JM IMPORT
$210
Melanite from Kouri 1 diggings, Kayes Region, Mali image
Melanite from Kouri 1 diggings, Kayes Region, Mali
JM IMPORT
$210
Melanite from Kouri 1 diggings, Kayes Region, Mali image
Melanite from Kouri 1 diggings, Kayes Region, Mali
JM IMPORT
$210
Melanite from Kouri 1 diggings, Kayes Region, Mali image
Melanite from Kouri 1 diggings, Kayes Region, Mali
JM IMPORT
$210
Melanite from Kouri 1 diggings, Kayes Region, Mali image
Melanite from Kouri 1 diggings, Kayes Region, Mali
JM IMPORT
$210
Melanite from Kouri 1 diggings, Kayes Region, Mali image
Melanite from Kouri 1 diggings, Kayes Region, Mali
JM IMPORT
$210
Melanite from Kouri 1 diggings, Kayes Region, Mali image
Melanite from Kouri 1 diggings, Kayes Region, Mali
JM IMPORT
$210
Melanite from Kouri 1 diggings, Kayes Region, Mali image
Melanite from Kouri 1 diggings, Kayes Region, Mali
JM IMPORT
$260
Melanite from Kouri 1 diggings, Kayes Region, Mali image
Melanite from Kouri 1 diggings, Kayes Region, Mali
JM IMPORT
$260
Melanite from Kouri 1 diggings, Kayes Region, Mali image
Melanite from Kouri 1 diggings, Kayes Region, Mali
JM IMPORT
$315
Melanite from Kouri 1 diggings, Kayes Region, Mali image
Melanite from Kouri 1 diggings, Kayes Region, Mali
JM IMPORT
$315
Melanite from Kouri 1 diggings, Kayes Region, Mali image
Melanite from Kouri 1 diggings, Kayes Region, Mali
JM IMPORT
$315

Where Melanite is found

Top localities

  1. Kouri 1 diggings13 specimens
  2. Ojos Españoles Mine1 specimen

Guides

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Mineral guide
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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.