Grossular var. Tsavorite Garnet (faden) - image 1

Grossular var. Tsavorite Garnet (faden) - image 2

Grossular var. Tsavorite Garnet (faden) - image 4

Grossular var. Tsavorite Garnet (faden)

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This strange garnet specimen is a rare style of garnet crystallization that came out around 2013-15 and resembles the famous faden style quartz or apatite growths from high alpine deposits in other countries. Faden specimens form when growth extends out from a central line, yet somehow constrained to make flattish elongated crystals that rise vertically, in quartz and apatite at least. They have a distinct look, much as you see here. It was the first time we had seen such a style of garnet, and people called them "faden garnet" at the time, although I am honestly not sure if that is technically correct. This would be considered one of the larger crystals of the find, as most were in the 1.5-2.5 cm range; and are thumbnail specimens. This is a miniature. Note, it has one clean repair about the middle (lock fit). Also, it is fluorescent orange, which was another surprise.