Andradite

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If you like crystal form, then you'll love this miniature specimen of Andradite from Marki Khel, Sherzad District, Nangarhar, Afghanistan. The main crystal, a dodecahedron, which is 2.6 cm across at its widest point, is so sharply defined and the faces extremely reflective: not glassy, but a very bright resinous lustre. The crystal is quite squat, sat low on a thin sliver of Clinochlore matrix with minor Vesuvianite microcrystals and the matrix has a fine coating of glossy gooseberry to khaki green Andradite microcrystals. A second, smaller Andradite crystal sits alongside the first. The colour of the Andradite is best described as a very dark brown, and although it is technically translucent, it is so dark as to almost appear opaque. A really lovely garnet.