MADGARN-41
Andradite Var. Demantoid Garnet With Stilbite
Antetezambato, Ambanja District, Diana Region, Antsiranana Province, Madagascar
Miniature, 4.6 x 4.6 x 2.5 cm
SOLD
This unusual and lovely demantoid specimen hosts glassy and gemmy, light emerald-green crystals, to 1 cm across, emplaced on a sugary, massive garnet matrix. The matrix is actually sparkly, itself. Growing on the matrix and among the garnet crystals are lustrous, white crystals of stilbite, to nearly 1 cm in size. This is one of only 3 specimens in this lot that have associated stilbite. Stilbite is not only just a rarity for this deposit, it is an extreme rarity in association with garnet from ANY locale and serves to highlight the bizarre geology of this deposit. From my understanding of things, there is still not a very good explanation for how the stilbite got here. Overall this is a fine, display quality miniature with subtle unique qualities, and the contrast to the white stilbite is one of those bonuses.