Melanite Garnet and Prehnite on Epidote

Item Description

Excellent, small cabinet specimen of garnet and Prehnite on a fine-grained, olive-green Epidote matrix from this region of minerals known more for prehnite and epidote than for garnets. The black melanite garnet crystals are complex, with sharp, beveled edges that are enhanced by the very good luster. These crystals reach up to 9 mm across, and they are nicely distributed across the matrix. Draped along the rim and all across the back is a layer of light, almost velvety, mint-green Prehnite. Certainly an unusual combination mineralogically, the aesthetics and balance are quite good.