Topaz with Bixbyite

Item Description

The combination of Topaz and Bixbyite is iconic from the Thomas Range in Utah. Bixbyite is certainly one of the signature mineral species ever to come from the state. It has deep roots in the history of early mineralogical discoveries in Utah, as it was named after Maynard Bixby, a miner, mineral dealer and author who was one of the prominent figures in the preliminary days of Utah minerals. He also happened to be the one that discovered the species. Without question, Bixbyite is at its best when it comes from Utah as these specimens feature classic large, black crystals that show beautiful modified/complex crystallization. This piece features a fine, doubly-terminated, gemmy, lovely sherry colored, lustrous, prismatic crystal of Topaz with a few smaller Topaz crystal flaring out of a central point, along with sharp, lustrous, jet black colored modified cubic crystal of Bixbyite and a small amount rhyolite matrix. The piece is complete all around, with no real damage I can see with the naked eye, just some incomplete growth where the crystals were grown into the matrix. A wonderful display specimen of this highly desirable, classic gorgeous material.
This piece is from the collection of Chris and Agatha Galas.