3.87 ct. Cat's Eye Andradite
3.87 ct. Cat's Eye Andradite
Color: Medium Dark Slightly Yellowish-Brown
Clarity: Opaque
Origin: San Benito Co., California
Cut: Round Cabochon
Treatments: None
Measurements: 8.6 mm
Andradite is the variety of Garnet that includes the well known green Demantoid and also the yellowish greens and browns that are simply called Andradite - the now disused term 'topazolite' was applied to these for years. A very rare phenomena for these garnets - one that doesn't occur in the famed deposits of Russia, but at a tiny find in California! - is chatoyancy. Cat's eye Topazolite has trickled out of this find in San Benito Co. for many years, but the supply is erratic and we typically see very few in this quality range. The eye is always moderate even in the very best stones, and often interrupted with fractures and inclusions. With that rare combination of quality and magnificent size, this is the finest gem we have had. Gorgeous color and an appealing shape with a great polish to boot! A stone that simply could not be improved upon.