TUC17A-23
Pink Topaz in Calcite
Katlang, Mardan District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Small Cabinet, 6.3 x 6.1 x 3.8 cm
SOLD
The rarest variety of collector-quality topaz is probably the sharp gem pink topaz crystals from this remote high-altitude region. They come out only rarely, if at all. This particular specimen is an old piece brought out by Herb Obodda in the 1990s and only recently trimmed down to size. It features a GEM TRANSPARENT crystal termination, 20 x 16 x 6 mm, atop matrix like a natural pedestal. The terminatin is FREESTANDING AND COMPLETE ALL AROUND. As it is trimmed, it sits beautifully atop a natural base of matrix and more rough topaz (the same crystal, but tectonically cracked and included, so it is more matrix than crystal in my mind). It was VERY tempting to trim this down to a perfect small miniature with a bit of matrix attached, and that can still be done (with a little risk) and would possibly increase the value as well, for some people. I have not seen a good example of these for sale in several years, now.