Grossular

📍Akhtaragda River mouth, Vilyui River Basin, Mirninsky District, Sakha, Russia
Dimensions: 22 / 20 / 19 mm

This specimen features an olive-green grossular crystal from the mouth of the Akhtaragda River in the Vilyui River Basin, Sakha Republic, Russia — the type locality for the species. The name “grossular” derives from the Latin grossularia, meaning “gooseberry,” referencing the color of the first crystals discovered here in the early 19th century. It was from this locality that the mineral was first scientifically described, marking an important milestone in the history of mineralogy. Today, the site is long exhausted and regarded as a true classic among historical localities.

The specimen centers on a single well-formed crystal of remarkable clarity and gem-like quality, with several smaller secondary crystals adorning its surface, creating a lively sense of depth and natural elegance. A small amount of white matrix remains attached, enhancing its authenticity and provenance. Compared with the more common translucent or inclusion-rich crystals from Akhtaragda, this piece stands out for its transparency and luster — a highly uncommon combination.

Grossular from this locality formed within a serpentinized skarn vein, with most specimens historically collected as weathered float or river pebbles. Today, finding a crystal of this transparency, preserved on matrix and from the type locality, is nearly impossible. This piece is a superb and highly desirable example for collectors of type localities, classic historic specimens, or garnets in general.