Andradite var. Demantoid (Garnet)

The Antetezambato mine, also known as the Antetezambato Demantoid-Topazolite mine, is located in the far north-west of Madagascar where shallow pits are dug in the intertidal mangrove swamps.  This lovely rich covering of well-formed, gemmy-translucent Demantoid crystals measuring to over 1 cm mask a light-coloured metamorphic matrix.  Demantoid is a green variety of Andradite Garnet and in this specimen its colour varies between pistachio green, yellow-lime green and even golden-yellow.  The Demantoid crystals form dominant dodecahedrons combined with trapezohedron faces, with the largest measuring 1.7 cm across.  The outer layer of all crystals is often translucent to gemmy then suddenly change to an opaque core with the appearance of encased metal foil.  A fabulous specimen of Demantoid Garnet from the mangrove swamps of northern Madagascar.