Andradite is a mineral species of the garnet group. It is a nesosilicate, with formula Ca3Fe2Si3O12.
Single crystal (4.2 cm) – Diakon, Nioro du Sahel Circle, Kayes Region, Mali
Black crystals of andradite: melanite
Garnets are a group of silicate minerals that have been used since the Bronze Age as gemstones and abrasives.
Garnet
A sample showing the deep red color garnet can exhibit.
Crystal structure of pyrope garnet. White spheres are oxygen; black, silicon; blue, aluminium; and red, magnesium.
Same view, with ion sizes reduced to better show all ions