Aegirine with Orthoclase, Quartz

specimen number:
9892132

location:
Mt. Malosa, Zomba, Malawi

description:
Lustrous black prismatic crystal groupings of aegirine to 3.6 cm in height coming off a matrix of blocky orthoclase crystals with minor quartz. In good condition.

Located in the Zomba District of southern Malawi, Mt. Malosa is part of the Chilwa Alkaline Province, formed during Cretaceous magmatic activity about 133 million years ago. The mountain is internationally renowned for its late-stage peralkaline pegmatite pockets, which host exceptionally well-formed, lustrous, dark greenish-black to jet-black crystals of aegirine, a sodium-iron silicate mineral of the pyroxene group. Historically, mineral collecting at Mt. Malosa grew rapidly in the late twentieth century through small-scale artisanal mining by local workers operating along steep pegmatite outcrops. These artisanal miners recover pristine, highly displayable specimens of aegirine, often dramatically intergrown with smoky quartz and feldspar, supplying museums and private collectors worldwide.

Questions about this specimen?
Send an email or call us: 314-341-1811.