Mineral Species: Garnet var. Grossular

Chemical Formula: Ca3Al2(SiO4)3

Chemical Name: Calcium Aluminium Silicate

Mineral Class: Nesosilicate

Mineral Notes: Grossular is a mineral from the Garnet familiy of tetrahedral silicates, more recently renamed Neosilicates. Garnets are some of the most common minerals but also some of the most beautiful. Some varieties are important as gem stones whilst others have been used to coat abrasive papers because of their hardness and good cutting properties. Grossular is characterised by the fact that it is often found in metamorphic rocks and is one of the easiest garnets to melt.

Location: Sierra de la Cruz, Mun. de Sierra Mojada, Coahuila, Mexico.