Andradit Demantoid

Andradit is a mineral of the garnet group. Characteristically coloured andradites are given variety names. The most beautiful of all is the chromium-bearing greenish-yellow demantoid. Transparent demantoids with the characteristic «ponytail inclusions» of chrysotile from Val Malenco, south of the Maloja Pass are the most sought-after gemstones out of the garnet group. The demantoids from Val Malenco, Felskinn or Rimpfischwäng are embedded in chrysotile (= mountain leather, serpentine asbestos).

Photo: Andradit (demantoid) in chrysotile (mountain leather, serpentine asbestos) Rimpfischwäng, Zermatt, collection Felix Spahr, not for sale.