Garnet var. Demantoid

This relatively new deposit of Demantoid garnets were found in a mangrove swamp, on the northwest coast of Madagascar. As is typical in Madagascar, when a few gem pebbles are found, a massive "rush," happens. In this case miners must dig holes 6 - 30 feet deep, but only at low tide. According to my friend who traveled to the site, the best colors were found early on in the strike. As the deposit has played out and gotten deeper, the colors have shifted to a more brownish shade of green. This piece shows great color, and excellent reflectivity. The crystals on this piece are striking, and well 'connected' to one another. Some of these pieces have a color variance between daylight and fluorescent lighting. This one is quite consistent. I demonstrate what the piece looks like with stronger lighting on the third pic. It weighs 32.40 carats/6.48 grams.