Collector's Guide to the Garnet Group

Book excerpt: Garnet, with its many color varieties, is a favorite of both mineral collectors and gemologists. Superb examples are found at many locales worldwide, in both igneous and metamorphic rocks. Other members of the group are prized by species collectors and micromount enthusiasts. Over 120 color photos of these beautiful minerals show each species in its geological context. This book also explains how garnets are formed and the unique conditions that create fine crystals and vivid colors. After a brief introduction, the general treatment begins with an explanation of the chemistry and taxonomy of the group. A section on their formation and geochemistry explains the kinds of environments where garnets are formed. Detailed entries for each mineral provide locality information and full-color photos so that collectors can see what good specimens look like and which minerals one might expect to find in association with them. An extensive bibliography is provided.