**Complimentary Specimens** As a gesture of appreciation, every winning lot above €50 will include one extra mineral, added entirely free of charge. For each additional €50, another complimentary specimen will be added. —————— Description: Sourced from the volcanic landscapes surrounding Frascati, on the hills just outside Rome, this Melanite garnet crystal carries the quiet authority that only a strongly formed natural crystal can have. Its silhouette is remarkably close to an ideal geometric garnet form, with broad, disciplined faces meeting along confident edges, creating an object that feels architectural rather than accidental. The body colour sits in a deep black to dark brown range, absorbing light at first glance, then revealing subtle surface life as the angles shift. Across several faces, delicate golden nuances appear as scattered flecks and warm metallic specks, catching direct illumination in a way that creates a striking contrast against the dark host. One side shows a natural recessed feature that adds depth and character, giving the specimen an additional sense of three dimensionality and natural history, as if the crystal recorded a moment of interrupted growth and resumed formation. Under direct light the piece becomes especially compelling, with the golden accents intensifying and the dark faces gaining a refined sheen, making this specimen exceptionally photogenic and highly displayable in a cabinet setting. Specifications: • Weight: 4.04 g • Weight in carats: 20.20 ct • Dimensions: 16 x 16 x 16 mm • Origin: Frascati, Rome, Italy • Mineral: Melanite Garnet • Crystal habit: Well formed garnet crystal with strong geometric faces and sharp edges • Colour: Black to dark brown with natural golden flecks • Transparency: Opaque • Lustre: Vitreous to submetallic • Surface: Natural growth textures with fine striations and uneven micro relief typical of natural crystal faces • Condition: Natural, unpolished, untreated Notable Points: • Well developed near octahedral garnet morphology with balanced proportions • Strongly defined crystal faces meeting along sharp, well preserved edges • Deep black to dark brown body colour with consistent saturation across faces • Natural golden flecks and metallic nuances scattered on multiple crystal planes • Clear contrast between matte and subtly reflective surfaces under light • Presence of a natural recessed growth feature adding depth and individuality • Fine surface striations visible on several faces indicating uninterrupted crystal growth • Homogeneous crystal mass with no signs of polishing or artificial enhancement • Excellent three dimensionality when viewed from multiple angles • High visual impact due to geometric symmetry and dark tonal dominance • Strong cabinet presence despite compact size • Fully natural crystal retaining original growth textures and character Collector’s Interest: Melanite is prized by collectors for its bold, dark presence and for the sculptural clarity of its natural crystal forms, and this example expresses those qualities with unusual strength. The Frascati and Rome area context adds a compelling locality story tied to volcanic geology, while the specimen itself delivers the visual language collectors want: an imposing dark garnet crystal with clear geometry, crisp edges, and surface features that reward close inspection. The golden nuances elevate the aesthetics further, introducing warmth and contrast that reads beautifully in display lighting and makes the piece instantly recognisable within a garnet focused collection. Lapidary Potential: This is an opaque garnet specimen whose primary value is its natural crystal form, making it best suited for preservation rather than conventional faceting. That said, the strong geometry and the dramatic dark body colour can lend themselves to creative lapidary approaches focused on sculptural presentation, mounting, or minimal intervention stabilisation where the crystal architecture remains the centrepiece. The golden flecking and the recessed feature also make it particularly attractive for display oriented settings where natural form is more important than transparency. —————— Shipping and Handling: All orders are shipped by UPS express or National Express. • Dispatch time: within 1 to 2 business days after payment confirmation to Catawiki • Transit time with Express service: up to 3 business days within europe and worldwide • A tracking number is always provided Photography and transparency: All photos were taken under controlled light conditions, carefully selected to reproduce the most accurate natural colour of each specimen. No filters, colour enhancement, or artificial saturation were applied. The lighting setup uses a calibrated 5500K light source, which replicates neutral daylight and reveals the true tones and clarity of the mineral. Under weaker or more yellow indoor lighting, colours may appear slightly different, which is normal and expected. The purpose of this setup is to present each specimen exactly as it appears in balanced natural daylight, allowing buyers to appreciate its authentic colour and lustre without distortion. Identification and ethics: All specimens offered are guaranteed natural and as described. Their origin and mineral identification are provided with the most accurate and reliable information available. Every effort is made to ensure that each piece is presented with full transparency, avoiding any misleading details regarding its nature, treatment, or provenance. Customs and import taxes: Any customs duties, import fees, or local taxes applied by the destination country are entirely the responsibility of the winning bidder. These charges are not included in the auction price or shipping cost and are determined by the buyer’s local authorities. Guarantee and resolution: Customer satisfaction is a priority. In the event of any issue, such as loss, damage, or discrepancy, please contact us immediately through Catawiki’s messaging system. We will always find a fair and suitable solution, including refund, replacement, or other commercial arrangements whenever justified. Appreciation and commitment: We sincerely thank you for your trust and preference. Our goal is to continuously bring you some of the most beautiful, unique, and exceptional mineral specimens from around the world. Each piece is carefully selected for its quality and character, ensuring that every purchase meets the highest standards. Your satisfaction and confidence are our top priorities, and we will always strive to exceed your expectations with every order. With gratitude, GemPulse Minerals