Aegirine crystals from the Aris Quarry, Windhoek, Namibia – micromount as unique piece
Small but clearly crystalline specimen featuring Aegirine crystals on a fine-grained grey matrix. The crystals are slender, partially well-formed, and exhibit the typical prismatic to acicular habit. Despite its small size, the crystal structures are visible to the naked eye and create a sharp contrast against the host rock.
Aegirine is a sodium-rich pyroxene mineral commonly found in agpaitic and alkaline igneous environments. Specimens from Aris Quarry, located just south of Windhoek, Namibia, are particularly valued for their lustrous, elongated crystals. Due to the closure of the site, material from this locality has become increasingly rare.
Geology & Origin:
Aris Quarry is a classic Namibian locality known for aegirine and a variety of other rare silicate minerals. The crystals occur in phonolitic volcanic rocks and are often associated with minerals such as sanidine, nepheline, and others of alkaline origin. Thanks to its geological uniqueness, Aris remains a highly sought-after source for collectors worldwide.