Melanite Garnet (Black Andradite) – Ball Like Cluster Specimen Only
Weight:
20 grams (100 carats)
With display case: 53 grams
Origin: Kimberley, BC
Matrix: Pegmatite
Display: Specimen only – comes in a clear case
🔍 What Is Melanite?
Melanite is a rare black variety of Andradite Garnet, part of the garnet family known for its rich luster and high crystal structure. What sets Melanite apart from other garnets is its opaque black coloration, caused by high titanium content replacing some of the calcium and iron found in more common andradites. This mineral forms deep within the Earth in metamorphic and igneous environments, often associated with pegmatite veins, as seen in this specimen.
🌑 What Makes Melanite Rare?
Color: Unlike most garnets, which range from red to green, Melanite’s deep black tone is unique.
Composition: It's an Andradite variety enriched with titanium, giving it a distinct makeup not found in common garnets.
Luster & Crystal Habit: Typically displays a glassy to submetallic luster, and forms in dodecahedral (12-sided) crystal shapes, sometimes nestled in host rock like pegmatite.
Locality: While Andradite is found in various places, Melanite from Kimberley, BC is seldom seen, making this a prized collector's stone.
💬 Why People Love It
This has been one of our top sellers at rock shows in 2025, thanks to its bold appearance, rarity, and great display value. It’s perfect for collectors who appreciate uncommon garnets or want a specimen that sparks conversation.
Specimen only — not for jewelry use. Display it, study it, and admire the power of nature’s rarest garnet cluster.
Melanite Garnet (Black Andradite) – Ball Like Cluster Specimen Only
Weight:
20 grams (100 carats)
With display case: 53 grams
Origin: Kimberley, BC
Matrix: Pegmatite
Display: Specimen only – comes in a clear case
🔍 What Is Melanite?
Melanite is a rare black variety of Andradite Garnet, part of the garnet family known for its rich luster and high crystal structure. What sets Melanite apart from other garnets is its opaque black coloration, caused by high titanium content replacing some of the calcium and iron found in more common andradites. This mineral forms deep within the Earth in metamorphic and igneous environments, often associated with pegmatite veins, as seen in this specimen.
🌑 What Makes Melanite Rare?
Color: Unlike most garnets, which range from red to green, Melanite’s deep black tone is unique.
Composition: It's an Andradite variety enriched with titanium, giving it a distinct makeup not found in common garnets.
Luster & Crystal Habit: Typically displays a glassy to submetallic luster, and forms in dodecahedral (12-sided) crystal shapes, sometimes nestled in host rock like pegmatite.
Locality: While Andradite is found in various places, Melanite from Kimberley, BC is seldom seen, making this a prized collector's stone.
💬 Why People Love It
This has been one of our top sellers at rock shows in 2025, thanks to its bold appearance, rarity, and great display value. It’s perfect for collectors who appreciate uncommon garnets or want a specimen that sparks conversation.
Specimen only — not for jewelry use. Display it, study it, and admire the power of nature’s rarest garnet cluster.
