Pyrope in Serpentinite from Bohouňovice, Central Bohemia, Czech Republic

This mineral specimen comes from Bohouňovice near Červené Pečky in the Kolín District of Central Bohemia, Czech Republic. The locality is known for occurrences of pyrope, a magnesium-rich garnet species belonging to the garnet group and one of the classic minerals of Bohemia.

Pyrope from Bohouňovice in Central Bohemia

This mineral specimen comes from Bohouňovice near Červené Pečky in the Kolín District of Central Bohemia, Czech Republic. The locality is known for occurrences of pyrope, a magnesium-rich member of the garnet group and one of the classic minerals associated with Bohemia.

The specimen contains numerous small dark red to wine-red pyrope crystals distributed across large areas of the matrix. Several of the garnets show recognizable crystal faces and stand out clearly against the surrounding rock due to their deep color.

One of the most interesting features of this specimen is the natural occurrence of the pyrope directly within its serpentinite host rock. While Bohemian garnets are often offered as loose crystals or faceted gemstones, this specimen preserves the garnets in their original geological matrix.

The greenish-gray serpentinite is crosscut by light-colored, probably quartz-rich areas and veins, creating an attractive contrast between the darker host rock, the pale mineralized zones, and the red pyrope garnets.

Measuring 10.5 × 8 × 2.3 cm, this is a relatively large hand specimen. Numerous pyropes are also visible along the sides and on the reverse, making the specimen interesting from several viewing angles.

For collectors of garnets, Czech minerals, classic Bohemian localities, or minerals preserved in their natural matrix, this is an attractive and representative locality specimen.