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 a good green color, (the bottom couple crystals turn a little 'cognac,' colored. It is a bright piece. Some of these pieces have a color variance between daylight and fluorescent lighting, this one is quite consistent. It weighs 18.96 ct / 3.79 grams.

Garnet var. Demantoid