Niobophyllite xls/(xls); Mt. Malosa, Zomba, Malawi; Min; unique piece
Niobophyllite crystals from Mount Malosa, Zomba, Malawi – miniature specimen as unique piece
This highly contrasting miniature specimen from Mt. Malosa displays lustrous deep black Niobophyllite crystals on light matrix with vivid orange brown associated minerals. The prismatic crystals are clearly developed and show an intense vitreous to metallic luster. The strong contrast between the dark crystals, the white feldspar matrix and the warm iron rich coatings gives the specimen a particularly aesthetic and vivid appearance. The crystals are distinctly developed and give the piece a very characteristic habit typical for specimens from Mt. Malosa.
Geology & Origin
Mt. Malosa in the Zomba region of Malawi is one of the world’s best known alkaline pegmatite and syenite complexes. The locality is famous for its exceptional diversity of rare niobium, titanium and rare earth bearing minerals. Niobophyllite forms there within highly differentiated pegmatitic zones and commonly occurs together with feldspars, Quartz and other rare silicate minerals. Specimens from Mt. Malosa are especially valued for their distinctive crystal habits and the remarkable mineralogical diversity of this unique deposit.
This table is for general information and orientation, although the sizes of the stones may vary. In addition, this specification is handled differently from region to region.
| Sizes | Description | approx. Sizes in mm/cm | approx. Sizes in INCH | |
| Capsule | Capsule | 0.1–0.5 mm in a transparent hard capsule (approx. 1 cm) | capsule contents 0.1–0.5 mm | capsule contents 0.004–0.02 in |
| TN/mm | Micromount (TN = Thumbnail) | everything fitting in a TN Perky box or a MM box of approx. 1 in | approx. 0.5–2.5 cm | max. 1 in |
| Min | Miniature specimen | will not fit a TN or MM box anymore | approx. 2.5–5 cm | approx. 0.2–1.0 in |
| Scab | small cabinet specimen | approx. one-third to half a hand size | approx. 5–9 cm | approx. 1.0–2.0 in |
| Cab | cabinet specimen | full hand size | approx. 9–15 cm | approx. 2.0–3.5 in |
| large Cab | large cabinet specimen | approx. two hand sizes | approx. 15–30 cm | approx. 3.5–6.0 in |
| very large Cab | very large cabinet specimen | everything larger, no upper limit |
Abbreviations commonly used in mineralogy.
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
| xl | single crystal, possible with matrix |
| xls | noticeable crystals |
| (xl) | embedded or damaged |
| (xls) | embedded or damaged |
| MASS | massive and/or amorphous pieces |
| TYP | type locality of the original description |
| SWUV | shortwave-UV-reaction |
| UV | ultraviolet reaction |
| SC | self-collected |
| U | unique (single unique piece) |
Usage Instructions
This product is ideal as a collector's item, decorative element, teaching material, or for scientific and exhibition purposes.
Legal Notices
Safety
We accept no liability for damages resulting from improper and/or non-recommended use. Please carefully assess the suitability of the product before any alternative use.
Responsible Provider
Mikon Mineralienkontor GmbH
Steinslieth 11
D-37130 Gleichen OT Klein Lengden
Email: info@mikon-online.com
| shipment-weight, NOT netto weight (kg) | 0.080000 |
|---|