Quick Highlights:
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Size/Dimensions: 5 x 5 x 4 cm
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Weight: 286 grams
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Source/Origin: River Valley, Ontario, Canada
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Key Features: Massive, well-defined dodecahedral form; deep red undertones; natural matrix inclusions; rare Canadian locale
Product Description
Introduction
This commanding Almandine garnet from River Valley, Ontario, captivates with its bold presence and natural geometry. At 286 grams, it’s a substantial specimen boasting a blocky dodecahedral crystal form and deeply striated surfaces that reflect light subtly, revealing glimpses of rich red within its otherwise dark exterior. Rarely offered in this size and form, especially from a Canadian locality, this piece bridges raw elemental power and refined crystalline order.
Whether you're an advanced collector or a metaphysical practitioner drawn to grounding stones, this garnet is a striking blend of geological force and aesthetic weight. The crystal’s structure is unmistakable—a true garnet with bold angles and smoothed edges that still retain the miner's touch of extraction from its host rock.
Geological Details
Almandine is a member of the garnet group, crystallizing in the isometric system, and belongs to the silicate class of minerals. Typically forming in metamorphic rocks such as schists and gneisses, this specimen’s sharp edges and natural luster speak to a high-grade metamorphic origin—likely formed under intense pressure and temperature conditions characteristic of the Grenville geological province in Ontario.
River Valley garnets are known but rarely seen in this complete, crystallized form. Most garnets from the region are partial, matrix-bound, or lack the full crystal development seen here. The presence of light mica or feldspar matrix on the surface adds further geological interest and authenticity, hinting at the crystal’s growth environment.
Aesthetic Appeal
What makes this garnet visually compelling is its interplay of texture and light. Subtle internal flashes of dark cherry and wine red emerge under bright lighting, giving life to what initially appears as a near-black mass. The striated crystal faces and natural wear along the ridges add character, making it clear this is a natural formation—not tumbled or machine-shaped.
From every angle, it offers something new: some faces catch the light like aged mahogany, while others reveal silvery mineral inclusions embedded in timeworn grooves. Displayed on its custom-faceted acrylic base, the garnet becomes a monument to geological resilience and raw beauty.
Metaphysical Properties
Almandine garnet is revered for its grounding and stabilizing energies. It connects deeply with the root chakra, supporting strength, stamina, and a secure sense of belonging. It is said to be a stone of tangible manifestation—encouraging action, anchoring goals, and instilling inner strength during transformation or challenge.
This piece in particular, with its solid heft and visually anchoring form, is ideal for meditation spaces or as an energy anchor in a healing room. Its deep coloration reflects protective energy, while its crystalline form promotes focus and centeredness.
Rarity
Specimens of this size, clarity of form, and origin are uncommon. While almandine garnet is widely distributed globally, fully formed and large crystals from River Valley, Ontario are rarely extracted intact. This piece is a natural marvel—a Canadian classic that stands apart from more commercial or global deposits.
Given increasing restrictions and diminished access to Canadian mineral sites, especially for non-industrial collectors, specimens like this are growing scarcer on the open market.
Why You Will Love This
You’ll love this piece for its bold presence and grounded energy. It exudes a quiet authority—a crystal that doesn’t shout for attention but commands it nonetheless. Whether you're building a cabinet of North American classics or seeking a powerful root chakra talisman, this garnet offers substance, story, and strength.
Its sculptural form and natural history make it not only a healing ally but also a conversation-starting collectible, resonating with both aesthetic and energetic depth.
Specifications
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Exact Dimensions: 5 cm x 5 cm x 4 cm
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Weight: 286 grams
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Finish: Natural, unpolished crystal faces with minor matrix remnants
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Unique Features: Deep red internal luster, complete dodecahedral form, sourced from rare Canadian locality
Collector's Note
River Valley garnets are seldom found in such complete form and weight. This locality is not as commercially mined as others, which means fewer high-quality pieces reach the open market. Its dodecahedral shape and natural presentation enhance its value to both mineral purists and Canadian provenance collectors.
Display Recommendations
This garnet pairs beautifully with minimal modern stands or rustic wooden bases. Place it under warm, directional lighting to accentuate its internal reds and highlight the striated surface texture. It’s ideal for shelf or cabinet display, where its understated drama can unfold as light moves across the crystal.
