EXTREMELY LARGE AMERICAN TOPAZ. ...

Description

EXTREMELY LARGE AMERICAN TOPAZ
Zapot Mine, near Hawthorne, Mineral County, Nevada
Around 30 or so years ago, two diggers appeared at a gem & mineral show with samples of Blue Topaz that they claimed were from Nevada. They wouldn't say where their find was located. In the period since their debut, the 'secret' claim that their Topaz crystals came from has been rediscovered and worked by several different groups of miners over the ensuing years. It was during one of these productive periods that this giant crystal was found. At 8 ½ inches along the termination and 6 inches across, this specimen is one of the largest Topaz crystals ever found in the
United States. There is a small amount of matrix giving an overall height to the piece of approximately 7 inches. Off to one side is a smaller secondary Topaz that is 'only' 2 inches across and 2 ½ inches high along with a few smoky Quartz crystals to contribute variety. The color of the Topaz is an unusual sea-green with blue overtones. It is included with Feldspar and an unidentified mineral that gives the specimen an uncharacteristic golden-yellow fluorescence in U.V. light: quite anomalous behavior for Topaz. The luster is brilliantly glassy and is accented by the presence of complex growth surfaces on the faces of the crystal. Near the termination are areas that are clear, gemmy and suitable for faceting. The condition is excellent with no visible damage. A one-of a-kind museum specimen for the sophisticated collector of rarities.

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