0.55 lbs Raspberry Garnet & Vesuvianite (2 pcs) - Collector Minerals L233
This set represents one of the most classic and coveted mineral associations from the state of Coahuila, Mexico: the combination of Raspberry Garnet with Vesuvianite (Idocrase), originating from the famous skarns of the Sierra de Cruces region, in the municipality of Múzquiz. This locality is recognized worldwide for producing garnets of an exceptional raspberry-pink color, frequently associated with crystals and aggregates of vesuvianite in warm tones, a paragenesis highly appreciated by both collectors and students of skarn mineralogy.
The lot consists of 2 complementary-sized pieces, with a combined weight of 0.55 lbs (251 grams), making them ideal specimens for both display in a showcase and detailed study. In them, the dodecahedral and trapezohedral garnet crystals are clearly distinguished, with their characteristic raspberry-pink to deep magenta color and a notable vitreous luster. As spectacularly revealed by the macro photograph, the crystals show outstanding quality: they are translucent, with very well-defined crystal faces, the typical zonal growth and edges of intense pink tone, an aesthetic quality highly sought after by collectors that distinguishes the finest specimens from this locality and makes them highly desirable pieces.
These garnet crystals are disseminated on a white and grayish skarn matrix (composed of calcite, wollastonite and other calcium silicates), in which the Vesuvianite (Idocrase) is associated in honey-yellow, amber and greenish tones, providing an exceptional chromatic and mineralogical richness to the whole. The combination of the vibrant and translucent pink-magenta of the garnet, the warm tones of the vesuvianite and the light, neutral background of the matrix creates a very attractive three-dimensional visual effect, characteristic of collection-grade specimens from this locality.
This association not only has high aesthetic value, but also significant scientific value, as it exemplarily illustrates the contact metamorphism processes that gave rise to the Coahuila skarns, where the intrusion of igneous rocks into limestones generated the ideal geochemical conditions for the simultaneous crystallization of calcium-rich garnet and vesuvianite. As revealed by the photographs, each piece offers a unique distribution of raspberry garnet crystals and vesuvianite zones on the skarn matrix, providing a complete and varied visual experience. It is an exceptional selection for serious collectors looking for representative specimens of this classic Mexican association, perfect for both mineralogical study and prominent display in any collection.
Specimen Specifications:
- Quantity: 2 natural pcs.
- Total weight: 0.55 lbs.
- Minerals: Raspberry Garnet (Grossular/Andradite) and Vesuvianite (Idocrase).
- Locality: Coahuila, Mexico (Sierra de Cruces, Múzquiz).
- Reference: 526 - Lot 233.
