TERRIUM — A mineralogy cabinet


Aegirina

Aegirina is a mineral with formula NaFe³⁺Si₂O₆, in the Inosilicatos group. This specimen comes from Monte Malosa, Zomba, Zomba, Malawi and joined the Terrium collection in 2025.

Aegirina from Monte Malosa, Zomba, Zomba, Malawi — Terrium

Description

Large prismatic, columnar, lustrous black crystal with a complete hexagonal cross-section and perfect termination. Shows a visible inclusion of a small honey-coloured zircon on one face.

About Aegirina

Aegirine is a sodium- and iron-rich alkaline pyroxene, common in alkali-rich igneous rocks. Its prismatic habit and hardness make it valued when well crystallised.

About the locality

One of the key aegirine localities—if not the most famous. Mount Malosa is renowned for its giant, perfect aegirine crystals. It is an alkaline igneous complex with cavities where fully developed crystals grow. Frequent association with zircon, arfvedsonite and eudialyte.

Technical data

Catalogue No.
0091
Composition
NaFe³⁺Si₂O₆
Name
Aegirina
Group
Inosilicatos
Category
Estélites
Associations
zircón
Mine
Monte Malosa
District / Municipality
Zomba
Province
Zomba
Country
Malawi
Size (cm)
14 x 1.8 x 1.2
Weight
62.2 g
Acquired
2025
Ex-collection
Diego Navarro
Etymology
It is named after the Norse god Ægir, in allusion to the submarine volcanic environment where it was first found.
Quality
Muy buena
Value trend
Estable

Related specimens

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