TOPAZ. ...

Description

TOPAZ
Xanda Mine, Virgem de Lapa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
In the mid 1970's a pocket of blue Topaz was encountered deep in the Xanda Mine that raised the bar for collectors of this gem material. Ice-blue, wedge shaped crystals of unearthly transparency were taken from the mine and unleashed on the world. They were immediately snapped up by connoisseurs for their personal collections. Very few of them have ever reached the open market since then; usually being traded in and out of, the personal collections of high-end dealers. This is one of the specimens produced in that find. It is 'typical' of that find in that it is very similar to others found at the same time. The color as noted before is a lovely medium blue with no zoning. The luster is brilliantly shiny on all surfaces and very free from imperfection. Inclusions are virtually non-existent, which is one of the reasons this crystal has the appearance of limpid, blue ice. The exterior alternates between the simple smooth planes of the terminal faces and the wonderfully baroque surfaces found everywhere else. All possess the same bright luster. There is no matrix and the specimen sits upon its custom acrylic base. In excellent condition. This is a singular opportunity to acquire a rarely available specimen from an historic find. 5 ½ h x 3 w x 2 ¾ inches thick.

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