Pyrochlore, Smoky Quartz, Aegirine, and K-Feldspar

Item Description

Outstanding and complex, this combination piece is from the well-known alkali pegmatites at Mount Malosa, which are famous for excellent and large Aegirine crystals. The pegmatites also host feldspars, arfvedsonites, rare Be minerals, as well as a expansive, excellent suite of other REE minerals. Pyrochlore Group combinations such as this sharp pyrochlore octahedron are very uncommon and desirable. This sculptural and excellent cabinet-sized piece is highlighted by a sharp, well-placed, 1 cm, light-brown Pyrochlore octahedron aesthetically attached to the side of a 4 cm Aegirine crystal. The gemmy, 9.7 cm Smoky Quartz crystal, which is also doubly-terminated, serves as the structural and visual centerpiece of the combination, to perfect effect. At the base is a cluster of white K-Feldspar crystals, to 2 cm, which also have intense fluorescence. Perhaps not glamourous to many, this is nonetheless an excellent and rare combination piece.