Africa048 - Andradite var. Melanite - Diakon, Nioro du Sahel, Nioro Circle, Kayes Region, Mali

A sharp 2.1 cm crystal of "melanite" sits on a microcrystalline prehnite matrix. Melanite is a black, titanium-rich variety of andradite. Most crystals from this locality are either off matrix or somewhat damaged. The main crystal on this specimen is unusual in crystallography. It is a modified dodecahedron with small trapezohedral modifications and an unusually large a ({100}) face. Most of the smaller crystals are in great shape for the locality. Other smaller crystals are in a cluster at the bottom of the specimen. This specimen was mined in 1995. 6.9 x 4.5 x 2.7 cm.