Grossular Crystal from Sierra de Cruces, Mexico

This grossular comes from the Sierra de Cruces in the Sierra Mojada Municipality of Coahuila, Mexico. The specimen consists of a largely free-standing brown grossular crystal with a clearly developed, approximately rhombic-dodecahedral form.

The crystal faces show a warm brown coloration and a matte to slightly greasy luster. Several faces are well defined, while minor irregularities and contact areas reflect the natural growth of the crystal. Measuring 4.3 × 3.5 × 3.0 cm, the piece belongs to the miniature specimen size category.

Grossular from the Well-Known Sierra de Cruces Locality

The Sierra de Cruces is one of Mexico’s well-known localities for grossular. Grossular crystals in various colors have been documented from the area, including green, cream-colored, brown, pink, and reddish varieties. The locality is also known for larger, distinctly developed individual crystals.

Grossular is a calcium-aluminum garnet that commonly forms rhombic-dodecahedral or combined crystal forms. The brown color of this specimen represents one of the color varieties known from the locality.

The nearly solitary form, clearly recognizable crystal morphology, and documented provenance make this piece a characteristic grossular specimen from the Sierra de Cruces.