Andradite (Ref: 6039)

Andradite specimens from the Ottostollen near Breitenbrunn (aka St. Margarethe Mine) in the Saxon Ore Mountains are undoubtedly among most sought-after classics; not only among local collectors but also among garnet collectors worldwide. It is not rocket science to figure out how rare these pieces are considering that mining was carried out only very sporadically and for short periods of time: From 1850 to 1859, from 1903 to 1905, and then again from 1963 to 1967. Mainly for Iron ore, Pyrite, Sphalerite, and Uranium ore. These circumstances make this piece extra special. Especially as the main crystal is a textbook Garnet crystal of almost absolute perfection and an enormous size of 2.5 cm. Pretty impressive for the Ottostollen. It has a phenomenal adamantine luster, beautifully and perfectly beveled edges and a wonderful black-brown color. This beautifully balanced miniature on a Hedenbergite skarn matrix is definitely comparable to pieces of the same species from other localities sites worldwide.