Aegerine with Niobophyllite

Item Description

An 8 cm Aegirine crystal, classic with its high luster and slender form, is clearly the visual focus here. But what makes this piece exceptional centers on the spherical cluster near the bottom. 2.1 cm across and looking like a Mud Dauber Wasp's nest, this cluster contains microcrystals of lustrous, brown Niobophyllite along with crystals of Quartz. Rare to begin with, the combination is attractive with its dramatic contrast in forms and color, let alone in rarity. The best Niobophyllite, an extremely rare species containing niobium and titanium, comes from this fascinating REE deposit at Mount Malosa.