Smoky Quartz on Aegerine XL Black Crystals White Microcline Feldspar Aesthetic Cabinet Cluster Mineral Specimen Rocks and Minerals Malawi

*This large and heavy specimen is currently set for US shipping only—please contact me for an accurate international shipping quote!* This beautiful and very large cluster features sharp, well-formed smoky quartz crystals rising off of a cluster of jagged black aegerine crystals and weathered cream microcline feldspar! Aegerine is a unique clinopyroxene mineral, which can superficially resemble epidote or tourmaline. The smoky quartz crystals in this cluster punctuate here and there and have have a sharp and appealing shape, and vary in size. The termination of the largest smoky quartz is bisected by a raw aegerine in a very cool way! The Aegerine has a raw look, deep black color and rough yet lustrous textures. The smokies and aegerine crystals rise aesthetically off of the raw creamy-white microcline feldspar matrix, with golden iron staining. This is one of the largest clusters of this unique combination of minerals I have seen! This large, heavy yet delicate African specimen is uniquely graphic and has excellent composition. It can lay flat or would benefit from a small stand to sit it upright—contact me for stand options! An unusual cabinet specimen for collectors, and a classic example from Malawi! The alkaline pegmatites of Malawi encompass one of the most unique and rugged localities worldwide for Aegerine. These pegmatite districts cut across mountains with cliffs up to 800 meters high; all of the specimens in this area are pulled by hand from outcroppings, and there are no large scale mining operations in the area. These delicate and hard-won specimens include Aegerine, quartz, arfvedsonite, zircon, beryl, rare earth minerals, and more. Locality: Malawi Dimensions: 4.50” x 4.00” x 3.50” (115mm x 103mm x 90mm) Weight: 624 g (1 lb 6.0 oz) Formation: Aegerine is part of the pyroxene group, in the clinopyroxene subgroup. It is the sodium endmember of the aegerine-augite series. It forms deep black and green crystals, with high luster and clean lines. It is commonly associated with smoky quartz, microcline feldspar, and other minerals. (Aegerine and Acmite are names used interchangeably for the same species of mineral, yet may be used to refer to two separate varieties as well. Usage varies, so for clarity, Aegerine is used here.) Healing Properties: Aegerine is a stone of nobility, integrity, and self. It is associated with courage and confidence, as well as acceptance of oneself and others. Smoky quartz is associated with grounding, manifestation, organization, and amplification of intention. *Though many gems and minerals have historical and cultural associations with healing properties, these items are sold for display, study, and collector interest only. Check out more crystals and specimens in my Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/PhenomenalGems?ref=si_shop