Topaz (classic material) (ex Allen Heyl Collection)

Item Description

A classic Topaz crystal from this well known Tungsten deposit in southwestern Connecticut. This good sized, blocky, orthorhombic crystal has the typical iron-staining and characteristic form that makes these some of the most classic east coast Topaz crystals ever found. This piece had a good amount of pedigree as it once belonged to noted Colorado geologist Allen Heyl (for whom the mineral Aheylite was named), and Allen apparently obtained the piece from Larry Conklin in New York, who obtained it from the collection of Frank Hess. All three labels accompany the piece, along with Hess' original collection number 989 and Heyl's collection number 3852, which are both written on the side of the specimen. The piece is certainly an antique, but how old is anybody's guess as the prospecting around this area dates back to the early 1800's.