
Andradite Garnet Brown Rhombic Dodecahedral Raw Unpolished Crystal Cluster Mineral Specimen Mali Rocks and Minerals
This is quite a unique mineral specimen--it is a small sized, unpolished cluster of natural andradite garnets! Andradite is one variety of the garnet group, which encompasses multiple types of habits and colors. This crystal has grown in the rhombic dodecahedral habit (i.e. twelve sides, each face is in the shape of a rhombus). The specimen features a matte brown shade and also shows some interesting (though incomplete) formations. It is composed of multiple small rhombic dodecahedrons, on a golden iron matrix. Rough and organic, with unpolished textures and raw edges. Though small, it would be a pretty specimen for display or healing. This is a special and unusual specimen, and would make an excellent addition to any collection! Locality: Mali Dimensions: 1.25” x 1.00” x 0.75” (31mm x 26mm x 19mm) Weight: 15.8 g (0.56 oz) Garnet is the name of a group of minerals, which can form in virtually any color, and many different habits. Garnet varieties include almandine, pyrope, spessartine, grossular, uvarovite, and andradite. Andradite varieties also include rich black Melanite, lemon-yellow Topazolite, and deep green Demantoid (the most valuable Garnet variety.) Garnets form in the cubic, or isometric, system--they form geometric shapes such as pentagonal dodecahedron, rhombic dodecahedron, and trapezohedron. Garnets display a range of chemical properties, and hardness varies between 6.5-7.5. Healing Properties: Garnet is most often associated with grounding and physical health and vitality. Black and brown andradite garnets are associated with psychic protection, magic, and enhanced creativity. *Though many gems and minerals have historical and cultural associations with healing properties, these items are sold for display, study, and collector interest only. Check out more crystals and specimens in my Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/PhenomenalGems?ref=si_shop