Andradite Garnet (repaired)

An unusual specimen of Andradite garnet in the habit of two thick ribbons branching from a common origin, similar to a tuning fork or graptolite. Dark oily-green crystals intergrow to form 4 to 5 mm wide ribbons on the surface of a pinkish-cream alteration layer over a metamorphic fine granular matrix. From Dognecea in the Ocna de Fier-Dognecea District of the Banat Mountains, Romania. This specimen has been repaired as it has at sometime been split across the centre, snapping the matrix and one of the Andradite ribands. Although the fracture is readily visible across the matrix, it is difficult to recognise the repair across the Andradite.