An exceptional and highly dimensional aegirine with calcite specimen from the Bashu, Beni Territory.
This substantial specimen is covered in an intricate association of lustrous black aegirine crystals and cream-colored calcite, creating dramatic contrast across an exceptionally complex crystallized surface. The aegirine forms as sharp, elongated black prisms ranging from fine needles to larger, highly visible crystals, intergrown throughout the specimen and scattered across the calcite.
Under normal lighting, the calcite presents in warm cream, ivory, and honeyed tones alongside darker matrix material and glassy crystalline growth. Under UV/black light, the specimen transforms dramatically, with areas of calcite producing vivid pink to orange fluorescence against the dark aegirine.
Size: 5" × 4" × 1.5"
Weight: 378 g
Locality: Bingo carbonatite, Bashu, Beni Territory, North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Aegirine is associated with energetic protection, resilience, confidence, and maintaining strong personal boundaries. Calcite is traditionally associated with cleansing, clarity, renewed motivation, and the amplification of positive energy. Together, they are considered a particularly complementary pairing for grounding while encouraging forward movement.
What makes this specimen especially compelling is the combination of its large display size, dense crystallization and dramatic UV response. From a distance, the contrasting ivory and jet-black mineralization immediately commands attention; viewed closely, the surface reveals an extraordinary landscape of individual aegirine prisms nestled among calcite crystals and sparkling microcrystalline growth.
The fluorescence gives the specimen an entirely different appearance under UV illumination, effectively providing two distinct display experiences in a single piece.
The last photo was particularly difficult to edit. Some of the calcite glows more of an orange, but it appeared much more green on camera. Editing the orange also changed the hue of the pink. I did my best to edit both colors to match what they do in real life, but please look to the last picture for an accurate representation of the orange and the other pictures for an accurate representation of the pink. The orange is only on the back of the specimen.
Rare Aegirine with fluorescent calcite
High luster on aegerine
Well terminated calcite formations
Vivid pink and orange fluorescence under UV light
Highly textured, three-dimensional crystallization
Large 5" cabinet-size specimen
Famous locality
Aegirine: NaFe³⁺Si₂O₆
Mineral Class: Pyroxene
Crystal System: Monoclinic
Typical Luster: Vitreous
Color: Black to very dark green-black
Calcite: CaCO₃
Mineral Class: Carbonate
Crystal System: Trigonal
Luster: Vitreous to pearly
UV Response: Pink to orange fluorescence on this specimen
An exceptional and highly dimensional aegirine with calcite specimen from the Bashu, Beni Territory.
This substantial specimen is covered in an intricate association of lustrous black aegirine crystals and cream-colored calcite, creating dramatic contrast across an exceptionally complex crystallized surface. The aegirine forms as sharp, elongated black prisms ranging from fine needles to larger, highly visible crystals, intergrown throughout the specimen and scattered across the calcite.
Under normal lighting, the calcite presents in warm cream, ivory, and honeyed tones alongside darker matrix material and glassy crystalline growth. Under UV/black light, the specimen transforms dramatically, with areas of calcite producing vivid pink to orange fluorescence against the dark aegirine.
Size: 5" × 4" × 1.5"
Weight: 378 g
Locality: Bingo carbonatite, Bashu, Beni Territory, North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Aegirine is associated with energetic protection, resilience, confidence, and maintaining strong personal boundaries. Calcite is traditionally associated with cleansing, clarity, renewed motivation, and the amplification of positive energy. Together, they are considered a particularly complementary pairing for grounding while encouraging forward movement.
What makes this specimen especially compelling is the combination of its large display size, dense crystallization and dramatic UV response. From a distance, the contrasting ivory and jet-black mineralization immediately commands attention; viewed closely, the surface reveals an extraordinary landscape of individual aegirine prisms nestled among calcite crystals and sparkling microcrystalline growth.
The fluorescence gives the specimen an entirely different appearance under UV illumination, effectively providing two distinct display experiences in a single piece.
The last photo was particularly difficult to edit. Some of the calcite glows more of an orange, but it appeared much more green on camera. Editing the orange also changed the hue of the pink. I did my best to edit both colors to match what they do in real life, but please look to the last picture for an accurate representation of the orange and the other pictures for an accurate representation of the pink. The orange is only on the back of the specimen.
Rare Aegirine with fluorescent calcite
High luster on aegerine
Well terminated calcite formations
Vivid pink and orange fluorescence under UV light
Highly textured, three-dimensional crystallization
Large 5" cabinet-size specimen
Famous locality
Aegirine: NaFe³⁺Si₂O₆
Mineral Class: Pyroxene
Crystal System: Monoclinic
Typical Luster: Vitreous
Color: Black to very dark green-black
Calcite: CaCO₃
Mineral Class: Carbonate
Crystal System: Trigonal
Luster: Vitreous to pearly
UV Response: Pink to orange fluorescence on this specimen
