Aegirine, fine, 0 - 63 µ

Dark green earth, 0 - 63 µ, dark green earth

Aegirine, a rare iron-containing silicate, often coexists with other pyroxenes like augite and hedenbergite. Its name originates from the Norse god “Aegir,” associated with the ocean. Aegirine is found in syenites and alkali granites. Due to its rarity in Europe, it was likely never extensively used as an artist’s pigment, although it may be present as a relic mineral in many green earths. Aegirine forms elongated prismatic crystals, with particles ranging from dark green to black and exhibiting exceptional hardness. The resulting powder also maintains this needle-like structure, necessitating meticulous processing and vigilance. Aegirine is discovered in Norway, Greenland, Russia, and the USA. Another significant source of the mineral is Malawi in Africa, renowned for producing high-quality aegirine with large crystals. This is the origin of Kremer Pigmente aegirine.

• Chemical description: Silicate, contains iron, 0 - 63 µm
• Chemical Formula: NaFeSi2O6
• Lightfastness - thinned: 8 (1 is bad, 8 is best)
• Lightfastness - medium: 8 (1 is bad, 8 is best)
• Lightfastness - concentrated: 8 (1 is bad, 8 is best)
• Suitability: Acrylics, Cement / Tadelakt, Lime / Fresco, Oil, Tempera, Watercolor / Gouache