Grossular from Sierra de las Cruces, Mexico – Gray-Brown Crystal Group on Matrix

This Grossular specimen from Sierra de las Cruces in Mexico shows a compact group of several gray-brown Garnet crystals on matrix. The crystals are densely intergrown and predominantly display dodecahedral forms with clearly recognizable crystal faces.

Measuring 5.6 × 4.5 × 2.5 cm and weighing 103.8 g, this is a small cabinet specimen. The comparatively robust Grossular crystals occupy a large part of the specimen and give the piece a massive, compact appearance.

Gray-brown Grossular crystals with dodecahedral habit

The Grossular crystals show a gray-brown coloration and are opaque on this specimen. Several of the larger crystals clearly display the characteristic dodecahedral form of Grossular.

The individual crystals are partly closely intergrown, forming a compact crystal group. Differently oriented faces and edges create a clearly three-dimensional structure despite the dense overall arrangement.

The surfaces are predominantly dull to weakly lustrous. The main appeal of this specimen therefore lies less in strong luster than in the crystal habit and compact group formation.

Grossular from Sierra de las Cruces

Sierra de las Cruces in Coahuila, Mexico, is a classic locality for Grossular and is known for Garnet crystals in a range of colors. In addition to pink varieties, gray, gray-brown, cream-colored and greenish Grossular crystals also occur there.

This specimen belongs to the darker, gray-brown varieties. Particularly interesting is the combination of several comparatively large crystals and their compact intergrowth into a coherent group.