GROSSULARITE GARNET. Wah Wah Mtns., Beaver Co., Utah, USA. ...

Description

GROSSULARITE GARNET
Wah Wah Mtns., Beaver Co., Utah, USA

Thank God for dead languages, and the scientists who use them. In 1808, when it came time to name the newly discovered Garnet from the Akhtaragda River Mouth in Siberia, Abraham Werner decided that since the color and form were so much like gooseberries (Ribes grossularium) that he would rename this type of Garnet: Grossularite. We emphasize rename, because in 1803, he had already named the same type of Garnet "Kanalstein" ("Cinnamon Stone") from a brown version. Seems like he had a bit of a food fetish. While viewing the matrix specimen seen here, the aptness of his "gooseberry" designation becomes apparent - these really do have the color of that fruit. This classic dodecahedral crystal, over 1 inch (2.6 cm) across, is a complete "floater" - a crystal that shows all possible faces and no incomplete ones. The buff colored matrix is typical for the contact metamorphic deposit that these formed within. All faces of the crystal show waxy to glassy luster and the sharply defined edges that Wah Wah specimens are famous for. These are so unique that they are instantly recognizable by most collectors. The specific locality producing these "gooseberries" is still a little vague, so no mine name can be associated with them. The bottom of the specimen shows an India ink over white accession number - "46AV", consistent with prior ownership by Ed David.
Overall measurements: 3 x 3 x 2 inches (7.6 x 7.6 x 5.1 cm).

Provenance: Keith Proctor [Hoppel # D0053]

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