Red Alurgite Crystal Cluster

1.05" Lustrous Red Alurgite Crystal Cluster - South Africa

Here is a beautiful cluster of Alurgite (muscovite variety) crystals collected from Strauss Heim I pegmatite in North Cape, South Africa. The specimen measures 1.05" wide and exhibits an eye-catching, bright red coloration. 

About Alurgite 

Alurgite is a rare, manganese-rich variety of muscovite, belonging to the mica group of minerals. It is distinguished by its striking violet to reddish-purple coloration, which arises from the presence of manganese in its chemical composition. This mineral typically forms in metamorphic rocks in regions with significant manganese content, often associated with other manganese-bearing minerals. Alurgite appears in thin, flaky sheets or as lamellar masses, exhibiting a pearly to vitreous luster. It is transparent to translucent and falls within the monoclinic crystal system, with a hardness of 2.5 to 3 on the Mohs scale. 

It is found in specific metamorphic environments, such as schists, phyllites, and quartzites. Notable localities include Val Malenco in Italy, which is a classic source, as well as regions in Russia, Madagascar, and less commonly, the United States. While its softness prevents it from being used as a gemstone, its vibrant color and rarity make it highly prized among mineral collectors.