Grossular

Introduction: What's pale green and named after the botanical name for the gooseberry plant? Ribes grossularia. It is the mineral grossular and it forms beautifully coloured crystals often red, orange, green or yellow dodecahedrons. Grey grossular has little or no value but the green and red crystals are the most sought after.

Distribution: The Ais dome skarn deposit in the Omaruru District.

Composition: Silicate

Crystal system: Cubic

Lustre: Resinous, vitreous

Streak: White

Hardness: 6.5-7.