Niobophyllite (important miniature)

Item Description

Niobophyllite is the niobium-rich analogue to astrophyllite, and this locality has produced some superb examples. Most consider them best of species. Mt Malosa has always been known for its plentiful aegirine and arfvedsonite, zircon, parisite, etc etc....but this niobium-containing fluorosilicate, nicely complex and interesting, was a surprise, and I had to look it up. Lapis first reported this locality in 2003, and these are the best compared to previous occurrences. This piece features tightly packed, bladed crystals of a rusty-orange color, accented by Feldspar crystals to 5 mm. These Niobophyllites are considered among the best for the species both in size and overall quality, and this miniature ranks highly among them. Better in person.