very large Topaz and Quartz on Albite

Item Description

This specimen is part of the 2021 Dallas Mineral Collecting Symposium benefit auction, with proceeds benefiting Mineralogical Record, Rocks & Minerals, Tucson Gem and Mineral Society, and mindat.org. Thanks to all of our participants!

Billing for this auction will occur on Monday, August 23, for payment using PayPal or a credit card. Shipping will be billed at cost.

This is a stunning museum-sized, museum-quality, GEM topaz from the famous gem deposits in Dassu, with a dramatic crystal standing straight up on a well-trimmed matrix. The major crystal is nearly 8 cm across, 6 cm deep, and 6 cm tall as it stands from the front of the matrix (it is actually bigger than that if you count the topaz portion going further down inwards into the matrix, which you can see down into). The major crystal has a rich amber color, classic for the locality. The other crystals to the side are more white to straw in color. I do need to note the presence of three repairs, all done very cleanly and well, with minor restoration only at the site of the repairs in the secondary crystals to the right side. Also, as a warning to collectors, these are stable in minimal light and in a box, but they are reported to fade color gradually when exposed to sunlight or ultraviolet component in sunlight spectrum bulbs, so be careful with your display options. Those caveats aside, this is a large and in-your-face display specimen and LOOKS like a six-figure specimen. And that is part of its value, to be sure, as it is more affordable to most of us with the repairs than without. Complete all around, 360 degrees. 5 pounds in weight! Valued $20,000. Donated to the Symposium auction by Daniel Trinchillo/Fine Minerals International.