Topaz var. Pyknite (fluorescent), Zinnwaldite and Lepidolite

Item Description

Superb, very rich, colorful, and large, this old-time German combination piece is from the historic Tin Mine that closed in 1991. The segmented, prismatic sections of lustrous, translucent, yellow Topaz crystals (variety Pyknite) dominate the specimen, and they are intermixed with Zinnwaldite, a classic Mica Group variety. The splashes of purple are likely Lepidolite. The largest Topaz is about 6 cm, and they exhibit a yellow-white fluorescence, which is rare. Found at only six localities worldwide (MINDAT), very rare Pyknite is a classic of German mineralogy. Formerly in the collections of Dr. Thomas B. Wilson, the Philadelphia Academy of Natural Sciences, and Chris Stefano.