Andradite Garnet (var: Demantoid) (rare locality specimen) (ex Josef Vajdak)

Item Description

A RARELY seen example of Demantoid Garnet (the green variety of Andradite) from the Arendal Iron Mines in Norway. I've only seen red or reddish-brown examples of Andradite from this area, so this is certainly the first green specimen I've seen. Now the color is more of a muted yellow-green (with a soft beige coating on the surface), but it's very good sized and incredibly sharp and well-formed with a fine dodecahedral habit. This is the only piece of the material that we have to offer right now, and comes with a classic label from Josef Vajdak / Pequa Rare Minerals, which immediately increases the value. The label mentions that this is a chromium-bearing variety, but I cannot say for sure if this is correct. You can read Joe's biography here: http://www.minrec.org/labels.asp?colid=1371