Niobophyllite xls/(xls); Mt. Malosa, Zomba, Malawi; Scab; unique piece
Niobophyllite crystals from Mount Malosa, Zomba, Malawi – small cabinet specimen as unique piece
This attractive small cabinet specimen from the famous Mt. Malosa locality in Malawi displays numerous dark brown to black lustrous Niobophyllite crystals on light feldspar matrix. The prismatic to bladed crystals are clearly developed and distributed with strong contrast across the specimen. Especially the combination of the metallic appearing crystals, the light Microcline matrix and the warm iron oxide coatings gives the piece a highly aesthetic appearance. The crystals are well developed and make the specimen both visually and mineralogically very interesting.
Geology & Origin
Mt. Malosa in the Zomba region of Malawi is one of the most important alkaline pegmatite and syenite complexes in Africa. The deposit is world famous for rare niobium, titanium and rare earth bearing minerals. Niobophyllite forms there within differentiated pegmatitic zones of alkaline rocks and commonly occurs together with feldspars, Quartz and other rare silicate minerals. Specimens from Mt. Malosa are especially valued for their unusual mineral diversity and frequently well developed crystals.
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 |
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