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Melanite

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QRI1020913

Melanite

Classic Locality

Description Tabs

Description
Locality: 
Montjovet, Aosta Valley, Italy
Class: 
Crystals on Matrix
Size Range: 
Small cabinet (7-10 cm)
Size: 
9 × 3.8 × 3.7 cm
Largest Crystal: 
0.50cm
Weight: 
229.00gr
Description

Intriguing, contrastful matrix specimen featuring half a dozen of pitch black melanite garnets with the main faces being smooth and lustrous and others having a rather rough surface. The matrix appears to be a meta-ophiolite with elongated amphibole fibers (asbestos?), thus providing an exceptional contrast.

The provenance is a mystery. It was sold to me as Saint Veran, France, however I am not familiar with the locality and I could not find confirmation from a quick online search. The other guess would be Montjovet, Valle D'Aosta (Italy), but it is a guess.

Regardless, a truly photography-worth specimen. 

Mineral Data
What's on the rock

Melanite

Variety Of: 

Andradite

Formula: 
Ca3Fe3+2(SiO4)3
Strunz: 
9.AD.25
Hardness: 
6.5 - 7.0
Hardness: 
0.0
Colour: 
Black

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