Arfvedsonite, Orthoclase, and Zircon

Item Description

A three-dimensional, complete-all-around and sculptural specimen of classic minerals from this remote location: Several, lustrous, prismatic Arfvedsonite crystals with slightly complex terminations emanate from some small to large, blocky Orthoclase crystals and are highlighted by numerous, small Zircon crystals on this fine combination piece from Mount Malosa in Malawi. Eight lustrous and green-black columnar Arfvedsonite crystals rise abruptly from the blocky, tan colored Orthoclase crystals that comprise the matrix. The crystals range in size from 2 to 4 cm in length and all of them are well-terminated exhibiting lustrous, flat pinacoid terminations with slightly etched beveled faces off to either side (note - in addition to the trace green color in the skin, these rough tips are indication for Arfvedsonite as opposed to Aegirine with which these super sharp crystals could be easily confused!). For a Feldspar, the Orthoclase crystals are well-formed, blocky and ivory colored crystals with one prominent crystal that measures 6.5 cm long and dozens of others. On one side of the piece, adjacent to the Aegirine crystals, there are two small groups of translucent Quartz crystals to 1.5 cm. The added pizzazz on this great combination piece are the tan-orange Zircon crystals from 1 to 3 mm in size crystals that are richly sprinkled on the Orthoclase at the center of the specimen. Zircon is a rare bonus!