Lorenzenite

Lorenzenite, a relatively rare sodium titanium silicate, is a characteristic constituent of nepheline syenite pegmatites, of which there are a limited number around the world; this excellent miniature is from the Khibiny Massif on the Kola Peninsula of Northern Region, Russia; other famous occurrences are the Narssârssuk pegmatite in Greenland and Mont Sainte-Hilaire in Canada. Two superb Lorenzenite crystals have been developed-out from the matrix; the 2.7 cm long crystal being double terminated while the 2 cm crystal has one end exposed from the matrix. Both crystals are opaque dark chocolate brown with a bright glassy lustre. Please note there is a chip in the centre of the smaller prism’s termination, which is reflected in the price. Despite this it remains a great example of the species.