$200.00

Size:
4.5" x 3.0" x 0.8"


Shipping weight:
1.1 pounds


Condition:
Excellent
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Here is a stunning specimen of almandine garnets in graphite from the new find at the appropriately named Burnt Embers Mine in Erving, MA. The graphite was worked to expose the garnets front and back, so the light shines through, revealing the glowing, vivid red color of the translucent almandine garnets. Tiffany's prospected this site for gem garnets in the late 1800s. There are 5 garnets to 15mm on this piece.

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This new material from the Red Embers Mine in Erving, Franklin Co., Massachusetts made a big splash at the East Coast Gem & Mineral Show, where it was the only significant new find to be found. The miners spent over 5 years mining and preparing their specimens, and this show was the grand introduction for these cool pieces. There was always a big crowd at their booth, and you could hear the buzz of people raving about this new material, which has an extremely high "Wow Factor".

The mine was originally called the Sky Farm locality, when it was prospected for gem garnets in the late 1800's by Tiffany's, the jewelers. The site was renamed the Two Fat Boys Claim, when it was worked for gem quality cut stones in the early 2000s. The mine is now being worked by the family team of Jason, Kevin and Kyle Baskin. In addition to their burnt ember specimens, they have cut some of the garnets into gemstones.

Almandine is the most common of the garnets and is usually the garnet found in garnet schists (a type of metamorphic rock composed mostly of mica). Precious transparent crystals are frequently used as gemstones along with its close cousin, Pyrope. Almandine, like other garnets, forms rounded crystals with 12 rhombic or 24 trapezoidal faces or combinations of these and some other forms. This crystal habit is classic for the garnet minerals. Almandine is the iron aluminum garnet. Magnesium can substitute for the iron and become more like pyrope, the magnesium aluminum garnet. Pure almandine and pure pyrope are rare in nature and most specimens are a percentage of the two. The change in density from almandine (4.3) to pyrope (3.6) is the only good test to determine a specimens likely identity.

Graphite is a polymorph of the element carbon. Diamond is another polymorph. The two share the same chemistry, carbon, but have very different structures and very different properties. Diamond is hardest mineral known to man, Graphite is one of the softest. Diamond is an excellent electrical insulator, Graphite is a good conductor of electricity. Diamond is the ultimate abrasive, Graphite is a very good lubricant. Diamond is usually transparent, Graphite is opaque. Diamond crystallizes in the Isometric system and graphite crystallizes in the hexagonal system. Somewhat of a surprise is that at surface temperatures and pressures, Graphite is the stable form of carbon. In fact, all diamonds at or near the surface of the Earth are currently undergoing a transformation into Graphite. This reaction, fortunately, is extremely slow.

People interested in metaphysics and crystal healing tell us that almandine garnet is especially useful for inspiring contemplation and balancing the time allotted for solitude. It represents profound love, stimulates physical vitality, and provides for energizing and opening the path between the base and crown chakras. To allows one to access and integrate truth. It helps to initiate charitable actions , and provides for connection with the higher intellect. It has been used in the treatment of heart disorders, and for treating diseases of the liver and pancreas.

They also tell us that graphite can be used during healing activities to enhance the energy transfer from a healer, or from other minerals. It can also be used to align the chakras and to order the connection between the ehereal and physical nervous system. Graphite is a stone of personal freedom, providing impetus for one to take charge of one's life. It also improves one's writing abilities and mathematical astuteness and stimulates thought.

Every specimen comes with our label, giving the full mineral name plus accurate locality information

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We are an award-winning, internationally known internet mineral dealer with an impeccable reputation for high quality mineral specimens, fast, friendly service, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all sales. Our mission is to bring joy into the lives of our mineral collecting customers by helping them build high-quality collections of gemstones, crystals, minerals and rocks. To do this, we offer a wide variety of the finest crystals including loose gemstones for sale, large crystal clusters for sale, pyrite nuggets for sale, aquamarine gemstones for sale, and quartz crystals for sale. You can come to us to buy clear quartz crystals, black tourmaline rough, phantom quartz crystals, raw amethyst crystals, amethyst quartz crystal geodes, gemstones for jewelry, and mineral specimens and crystals. Not only are we the best place to buy gemstones, we also provide gem and mineral information, facts about rocks and minerals, we help our customers identify rocks and minerals, and we report on the major rock and mineral shows. Also, you can read about us on Bob's Rock Shop, Mindat, and many other fine websites.