Quartz (impersonating Sapphire) on Blue Topaz (unique locality specimen)

Item Description

Quartz and Topaz are well-known from Sakhan-gyi, but this piece is notably different for both species. First, we focus on the Quartz crystal, which measures 4.5 cm, and has an unusual habit that almost looks like it's impersonating a Sapphire rather than a Quartz crystal. The tapered hexagonal form with the "stepped" faces certainly is not one would expect to see in a Quartz crystal. When backlit, you can see that the Quartz crystal is very gemmy inside with colorless purity. The next intriguing aspect of the specimen that the Quartz crystal formed on Topaz matrix, which isn't rare for the locality, but it's BLUE, which is quite rare for Sakhan-gyi in my experience. The Topaz matrix is mostly contacted, though a few crystal faces can be seen. Additionally, the Quartz crystal has as contact on the back of the termination, but it's rare habit and unusual blue Topaz association that makes this piece a unique and desirable display specimen from this well-known locality in Mogok. PLEASE NOTE: The blue color in the Topaz is MUCH lighter in the video than it appears in person.
From the collection of Bill ("Burma Bill") Larson of Fallbrook, California. Bill is a well-known gem and mineral dealer as well as a miner and worldwide mineral collector. Bill has traveled the world for decades in search of fine gems and minerals, and was directly involved in the in-person acquisition and importation of superb specimens and stones from Myanmar (Burma). You can read his biography at https://mineralogicalrecord.com/biographies_labels/larsonwilliam-f/