Andradite Garnet on Hematite, with Calcite - image 1

Andradite Garnet on Hematite, with Calcite - image 3

Andradite Garnet on Hematite, with Calcite - image 4

Andradite Garnet on Hematite, with Calcite - image 5

Andradite Garnet on Hematite, with Calcite - image 6

Andradite Garnet on Hematite, with Calcite - image 7

Andradite Garnet on Hematite, with Calcite

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When these Hematites were first discovered at the Wessels mine, they immediately became instant classics (mid 1980's, I believe). Their large size and association with red Andradite Garnets made them highly collectible. This particular specimen is one gigantic Hematite crystal. It is tabular in habit, with tiered faces, complex sides, and a contact along the bottom edge. One side is covered with fine, gemmy, lustrous, red Andradites, and on the lustrous exposed side there is a heart-shaped Calcite (thusly so because of a small chip, but it is so exposed I am glad it is there at all - it adds much to the piece). This robust and sharp textbook Hematite crystal has mirror-bright, metallic luster. These are amazing Hematites, and the find is today considered one of the major non-Rhodochrosite finds for the manganese district. Wessels is renowned for this apparently unique combination, justifiably.