Aegirine and Orthoclase

Zomba mountain associated to the Zomba Plateau in Malawi yields a diversity of minerals in complex arrangements and mix of associations. Orthoclase is a primary matrix, with Smokey Quartz, Aegirine and Zircon being the most commonly occurring species. The deposits are widespread and show a diversity of habits and forms. Smokey Quartz from the region ranges from dark gemmy to morion and pitch black. It often has Aegirine inclusions whilst Riebeckite and Rutile inclusions are infrequent. Recent pockets have also shown Green Chlorite inclusions or phantoms. Aegirine is recovered as either black shiny or green fibrous single crystals or in complex clusters. Classic terminations are more frequent than acicular terminations. Zomba is often seen as non classically beautiful specimens, but they are always complex specimens and fascinating in terms of formative processes. Zomba often has a high percentage of self-healed specimens.

4 x 4.5 x 2.5 cm