Garnet Group, Chalcopyrite

Unknown Owner

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Almost certainly, this unusual matrix specimen of garnet is almandine. I am not exactly sure which subspecies, though, as I have never seen one clearly identified from this old locale (pieces from here date back to the mid 1800s). There is one, large 2.4 cm-across, lustrous, reddish-brown crystal which exhibits spectacular red internal highlights. It is perched aesthetically atop the matrix. Complete-all-around, and showing excellent crystallography, I suspect this is a major crystal for the locale. The matrix is a heavy chalcopyrite ore - highly unusual matrix for garnets. In fact, I cannot recall seeing the like from anywhere else. From the collection of Dr. James Gebel, who purchased it out of an old collection.