2.4" Smoky Quartz Crystal w/ Aegirine Inclusions - Malawi

Aegirine is a sodium iron silicate with the chemical formula NaFeSi2O6. It is a member of the pyroxene group and it shares the same crystal structure as augite, but a different chemical composition. It typically forms long, slender crystals that can bear reddish-black, brown, black or greenish colorations.

Smoky quartz is a grey-brown to black variety of quartz. This common name is derived from the appearance of smoke within the quartz crystal. Depending on the location and the chemicals present during formation, smoky quartz can appear opaque black, but it is typically translucent to some extent. It is believed that the quartz gains this color from a combination of natural irradiation and aluminum impurities.