Andradite garnet, demantoid variety

Dimensions: 6.2 x 5cm
Provenance: Takab, Belqeys mountain, West Azerbaijan, Iran
One of the largest fully crystallized demantoid garnet  that I have seen (diameter 3.7cm). All faces are complete, no major cleavage, just micro-fractures as on all major crystals of this deposit, without any consequence on the quality and aesthetics of the piece. A very nice presentation under  all 360° angles. If small crystals are relatively easy to find with a gemstone shine, on the other hand, it becomes much more difficult when the crystals are larger, these being often incomplete, deformed, very cleaved or fractured, with non-shiny faces, and missing gem. Ultimately, very good specimens are rare. 
 
  Dimensions without the acrylic base, which is supplied with the mineralogical specimen.
The mineral is not glued to the base.