Topaz (GEM quality) with Muscovite (GEM quality)

Item Description

For years, it was not common to find matrix specimens of gem quality Topaz from any world locality. Once material started coming in from Pakistan, collectors were delighted to see such fine quality examples of the species not only on matrix, but with beautiful aesthetics and associated species. This piece is from an older find in Pakistan, right around 1995. This attractive cabinet sized display specimen features several superb quality, very sharp, highly lustrous, GEM / WATER CLEAR colorless prismatic, blocky orthorhombic crystals of Topaz which are aesthetically perched atop the matrix of fine quality, lustrous, pearly, "snow white colored "rosettes of Albite (variety: "Cleavelandite ", but the real kicker is something that you may not expect. The piece has associated crystals of rich golden color of Muscovite with classic hexagonal form and semi-metallic shimmering exterior, but when backlit, the main group is completely TRANSPARENT! How often does one encounter such well-crystallized examples of Mica with not only great color, but GEM TRANSPARENCY!? The largest Topaz sits proudly atop the mound of "Cleavelandite ", and measures a full 2.7 cm, while the main GEM MUSCOVITE group measures 2.0 cm at its largest dimension. Such wonderful aesthetics, quality and associations make this a very worthwhile specimen of this desirable material from Pakistan. Valued at $3,500 several years ago in the inventory.