SOLD
TCH04
Topaz With Albite on Smoky Quartz
Wah Tu Wah Mine, Gao Li Gongshan, Wenshan, Yunnan Province, China
Small Cabinet, 7.6 x 7.5 x 7.3 cm
SOLD
This specimen floored me when I first saw it, as I thought it was Pakistani until I noted the differences in form of the topaz termination, and thought about the (rare for Pakistan) association of the smokies. This crystal is PRISTINE and measures 4 x 4 x 3.75 cm in size. It is phenomenally equant and displays magnificently as it is centered, nestled in albite, between two splaying smoky quartz points. This is among the best of the new topaz finds from China (from the same pocket as the January Min Record cover piece, which I handled in this same lot). These are the best yet from this locality, so far as I know. Note the different sharp chisel termination and the style of the smokies, unique compared to Pakistani material. I think the value is worth it no matter where its from. Compared to what a similar piece from Pakistan might cost these days, it is not any more expensive for the extra value of the interesting locale. In fact, bizarrely, these go for less than their Pakistani brethren might for a large matrix topaz. I had this recently at a much higher price but am "blowing it out" discounted from the 12, 500 on it at Tucson.