Epididymite (fine reticulated twins) on Aegirine

Item Description

Epididymite is not commonly seen in fine display specimen. Some of the best crystals of hits rare sodium beryllium silicate species, have been found at Mount Malosa in Malawi. This piece is a showy example featuring fine quality, well-formed pseudohexagonal "star"-shaped reticulated twins of Epididymite with a soft cream color, sitting atop dark green (nearly black) lustrous prismatic crystals of Aegirine, on Smoky Quartz with minor associated Feldspar. This is one of the best examples of this material that we've had to offer in the auctions. The main Epididymite twinned group measures 2.5 cm across, and the largest Aegirine (on the side the piece) measures 1.9 cm. Very attractive and rarely seen on the market these days. Valued $1,200.
From the collection of Kurt Hefendehl (#36 ML), a well-known German collector all over Europe with worldwide contacts to dealers and collectors. He started collecting seriously at the age of 14 and his great and varied worldwide collection reached over 6000 pieces. He was very active mineralogically until shortly before his passing in 2020 at the age of 82. Considering his collection had a large number of pieces, it still had an unusually high standard of quality from most worldwide localities. He particularly specialized in all classics as well as minerals of the Black Forest, where he spent much time collecting. His Black Forest and German subcollections went to his good friend Wolfgang Wendel. We at The Arkenstone have the privilege of offering the remainder of this great worldwide collection through our various platforms.