Hessonite on Clinochlore (Ref: 3920)

We are looking at a quite exceptional Hessonite (a variety of the garnet species Grossular) from the alpine locality Bellecombe in the Piedmontese Aosta Valley. This specimen might just be a miniature; however, this highly aesthetic beauty does not need to hide from its brethren from North American localities such as the Canadian Jeffrey Mine near Val-des-Sources (formerly known as Asbestos) or the Belvidere Quarries in Vermont, USA. Its individual crystals are sharp, with an excellent deep orange-brown color, transparent and with a vitreous luster. They are perched on tabular olive-green Clinochlore. This is a perfect specimen with just minimal edge wears. Ex Dr. Herbert Muntau collection.