Aegirine with Smoky Quartz

Item Description

When it comes to Aegirine crystals, there is no doubt that the largest and finest examples ever found are those from Mount Malosa, Malawi. The multiple alkali pegmatites located on this mountain are probably the most well-known locality in Malawi, yielding some very distinctive mineral specimens. This particular specimen features a fine, sharp, highly lustrous, deep greenish-black prismatic crystal of Aegirine which plays host to a sharp, gemmy Smoky Quartz crystal with minor associated Microcline. I love the almost "fibrous" quality to the termination of the Aegirine, similar to some Tourmaline crystals from various localities. Aegirine is a Pyroxene species, typically found in dull examples, but you would be hard pressed to find sharper or more lustrous crystals than those from Mount Malosa. From the collection of Jelani Daniel.