Andradite

specimen number:
1052627

location:
Franscia, Lanzada, Sondrio, Lombardy, Italy

description:

Lustrous translucent green crystals of andradite, this is the variety of the species often called demantoid, measuring to 1.3 cm in size along one edge of matrix. In good condition. The specimen comes with an antique label as shown at the end of the video this label gives an original acquisition date of 1928.

Franscia, situated near Lanzada in the Malenco Valley of Lombardy, Italy, is a world-renowned locality for the demantoid variety of andradite garnet. Geologically, the area is located within the Malenco Serpentinite Massif, one of the largest outcrops of ultramafic rocks in the Alps, where hydrothermal alteration of serpentinite created narrow asbestos-rich veins containing the rare green garnet. Demantoid from this region is prized for its intense emerald-green color, which is caused by trace amounts of chromium, and its characteristic "horsetail" inclusions of chrysotile fibers. Historically, mining and quarrying in the Franscia district focused primarily on the extraction of asbestos and soapstone, with the first significant discoveries of demantoid occurring in the late 1800s. While asbestos production peaked in the mid-twentieth century before declining due to health and safety regulations, the recovery of demantoid garnets has continued as a small-scale, specialized activity. The most famous extraction sites, such as the Sferlun and Giovanni mines, have operated intermittently from the early 1900s through the present day. Today, the Malenco Valley remains a premier source of high-quality Italian demantoid.

Questions about this specimen?
Send an email or call us: 314-341-1811.