Details
ColorsBlack
Origin
Mt. Maloso, Malawi
SizeMedium
Dimensions8.5 x 3.0 x 2.5 cm
Species
Aeg
Description
This cluster is a wonderful example of the superb AEGIRINE crystals which have been found at this locality in recent years, basically resetting the standard for the species worldwide! However, most are loose crystals and also etched to some extent, especially the larger ones (as with the arfvedsonites, as well). This arborescent cluster has sharp and doubly-terminated crystals to 8.5 cm, crossed diagonally by a 4.5 cm doubly-terminated crystal. It is well known that the best of this material went to Europe and that a dealer named Helmut Brueckner obtained a stash of very choice pieces about 3 years ago (a miner's collection?). This is one from that lot, which he provided as Leithauser's main supplier of specimens. There are a lot of these around of lesser quality, but this one is truly exceptional!