Aegirine

Real mineral · uncommon · NaFe+++Si₂O₆

The sodium iron pyroxene of alkaline rocks, in slender dark green prisms ending in steep points. Named after Ægir, the Norse god of the sea, for the Norwegian syenites where it was first described.

Identity

Formula
NaFe+++Si₂O₆
Chemical class
silicate
Mineral group
Diopside, Enstatite, Hiddenite, Jade, Kunzite
Also known as
Acmite

Crystallography

Crystal system
monoclinic
Habits
prismatic, acicular, fibrous
Fracture
uneven

Physical properties

Mohs hardness
6
Density
3.52 g/cm³
Luster
resinous, vitreous
Colors
green, greenish black, reddish brown, black
Streak
yellowish gray
Transparency
transparent, translucent, opaque

Geology

Origins
igneous, metamorphic
Host rocks
syenite, pegmatite
Associated minerals
Nepheline, Zircon, Cancrinite, Quartz
Geography
Norway, Russia, Malawi

Classification

Rarity
uncommon
Gem quality
No

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