Makatite xls; Aris Quarry, near Windhock, Namibia; NS; Einzelstück
Makatite crystals from Aris Quarry, near Windhock, Namibia – small cabinet specimen as unique piece
This interesting small cabinet specimen from Namibia displays fine fibrous to radiating Makatite crystals on dark matrix. The white to slightly cream colored crystal aggregates show silky luster and form striking radial sprays with delicate feather like structure. Especially the central fan shaped groups of needle like crystals give the specimen a highly aesthetic and characteristic appearance for this rare sodium silicate mineral. The delicate crystal development is clearly visible and makes the piece both mineralogically and visually very attractive.
Geology & Origin
Aris Quarry near Windhoek in Namibia is a world famous locality for rare secondary silicate minerals from alkaline deposits. The mineralization formed in sodium rich hydrothermal environments within strongly differentiated pegmatitic and alkaline rocks. The locality is especially known for rare zeolite and silicate minerals with exceptional crystal habits. Makatite commonly occurs there as radiating to fibrous aggregates within cavities and fractures of strongly altered rocks.
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) | 0.100000 |
|---|