January 24 Through February 4—TUCSON, ARIZONA: Annual show
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 Post subject: Andradite specimen from Madagascar
PostPosted: Mon Dec 10, 2012 5:19 am 
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Unpacking the prey from my recent trip.

Didn´t visit the actual occurrence in the north of the island, but as far as I know it is mined out anyway. These pieces were bought from dealers in Tana and Antsirabe.

Image

Andradite var. Demantoid specimen, Antetezambato, Madagascar

8 x 5 x 2 cm, biggest crystal cluster 1,7 cm, picture was taken in sunset direct light and I had to doctor around a bit colorwise to get the "true" color. :roll:

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 Post subject: Re: Andradite specimen from Madagascar
PostPosted: Mon Dec 10, 2012 5:28 am 
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Same specimen in sunset light unedited:

Image



This one is more interesting for its mineralogical composition:

15 x 10 x 7 cm

containing both Demantoids and Topazolites on Quartz, Stilbite and Calcite

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 Post subject: Re: Andradite specimen from Madagascar
PostPosted: Mon Dec 10, 2012 6:10 pm 
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the matrix of last specimen has a very aesthetic shape (and is turning my head up side down too)


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 Post subject: Re: Andradite specimen from Madagascar
PostPosted: Mon Dec 10, 2012 6:45 pm 
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I suspect this is the only one out of three that has not been "cleaned" of surrounding mineralisation. And yes, cascaillou, I admit: I took this pic standing on my head :roll:

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 Post subject: Re: Andradite specimen from Madagascar
PostPosted: Mon Dec 10, 2012 7:00 pm 
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The color of these crystals is awesome. They appear to have a slight blue modification.....on my Apple. :)


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 Post subject: Re: Andradite specimen from Madagascar
PostPosted: Tue Dec 11, 2012 4:41 am 
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Yes Barbra, one of the three specimens show this slightly blueish hue. The others go into the direction of brownish and yellowish modifier.

I actually realized by browsing mineral dealers that these Mada - Garnet specimens are quite high priced.

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