Aegirine
specimen number:
2072055
location:
Mt. Malosa, Zomba, Malawi
description: Mount Malosa is located in the Zomba District of southern Malawi, situated within the larger Shire Highlands region. Geologically, it forms part of the Chilwa Alkaline Province, a series of igneous intrusions that occurred during the early Cretaceous period, approximately 110 to 130 million years ago. The mountain is primarily composed of alkaline granites and syenites that intruded into much older Precambrian basement rocks. It is world-famous among mineralogists for its extraordinary pegmatites, which formed from late-stage, volatile-rich magmatic fluids that cooled slowly within the host rock. These pockets produced some of the finest known specimens of aegirine, feldspar, and zircon, as well as rarer species like narsarsukite and xenotime. The crystals from Mount Malosa are highly prized for their sharp termination, large size, and aesthetic associations, often featuring jet-black aegirine needles contrasted against smoky quartz or white microcline. While the area is not a site for large-scale industrial mining, local artisanal digging has made it one of the most significant localities in Africa for high-quality mineral specimens.
A neat cluster of dark greenish black aegirine crystals without matrix. In good condition. Very nice for the species.
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