Andradite

'Diggings' at Doualé near Diakon in Kayes Region, Mali are well known for superb garnet crystals within the Andradite-Grossular series. Indeed, during the mid-1990s it was the site of an 'Emerald' rush, not for Beryl, but green garnet. This extremely well-formed greenish clove-brown rhombic dodecahedral Andradite crystal is wonderfully glossy, making it really stand out from other garnets. At over 3 cm across in its widest direction this is also a substantial crystal. It does have noticeable contact damage to one corner, but from the display direction it looks immaculate and is one of better crystals unearthed in these diggings.