The outcrops where this variety of garnet was discovered during the 1980s are in Martiniana Po (Cuneo Province, Northwestern Italy). Throughout the following years, the region has been classified as a “mineralogical geosite.” Martiniana Po exists between Parigi and Case Ramello and is the site of the Pyrope Visitor Center and Museum, which aims to promote and preserve geologic treasure.
The appreciation for Martiniana Po and the pyrope started with a discovery by scientist C. Chopin (1984), who enhanced the coesite (SiO 2) occurrence within the pyrope crystals for the first time. Other researchers focused their studies on the numerous minerals included in these pyropes in the years that followed. The research also led to discovering three new mineralogical species, bearthite, ellenbergerite, and magnesiodumortierite. Soon, Martiniana Po became one of the most essential mineralogical locations in the Piedmont region of northwestern Italy. In consideration of the extraordinary scientific interest, local administrators restricted access to the prominent outcrops. The garnets found in this area can fracture easily, but high-quality gems can be produced from just a few little fragments.
GEOLOGICAL AND GEOGRAPHIC COMPOSITION
This story is from the December 2020 edition of Rock&Gem Magazine.
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This story is from the December 2020 edition of Rock&Gem Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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MORGAN HILL POPPY JASPER
In California, there are very few places to collect semi-precious stones. Many locations from the past have been either exhausted of the material or the land has been developed.
THE ACORN
The briolette gemstone has the same design attributes of a regular gemstone, however, the pavilion is elongated and the crown is usually domed. This is perfect for an elegant pendant, earrings or a pendulum.
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