Andradite (var - Demantoid)

A great cabinet display piece of Demantoid with dozens of yellow-green dodecahedra. The crystals have good luster, gemminess and sharp form which are sitting amongst fibrous off-white color Chrysotile on matrix. Most of the crystals are completely damage free, with only spot near the top of the piece where it was contacted upon extraction from the pocket. Hand sized Demantoid specimens from Sferlun are certainly uncommon, and this piece is crystallized on BOTH sides, making it even more enticing. When it comes to Alpine Garnets, the Italian specimens are among the best in the world! Whether it be Grossulars or Andradites, the Italian specimens have set the standard for the Alpine material. The Demantoids from the famous Val Malenco (Malenco Valley) are among the most well-known and highly sought after Garnets in the world. These are true Alpine classics, and the best specimens are breathtaking from the standpoint of color, crystal size, gemminess, luster and rarity. This piece was collected in the late 1970s – early 1980s and remained in a private collection for decades. I am told that it originally came through the Magistretti collection in Italy. Specimen # ANDIT4117