SM20-212
Topaz
Murzinka Mine, Sverdlovsk Oblast, Russia
Small Cabinet, 8.1 x 6.5 x 4.0 cm
SOLD

This is a true antique from the Russian history books, from the acclaimed Alabashka pegmatite field in Russia. This translucent to transparent, saturated blue Topaz crystal exhibits classic forms dominated by the prism and pyramid with two other smaller crystals on the backside of the piece and both are approximately 2cm in length. The Topaz has local internal veils and patches of Goethite and the altered Quartz-Feldspar(?) matrix also shows a moderate amount of Goethite. The big Topaz measures 4cm tall and 3cm in width and sits conspicuously upright on the matrix! This is a historic classic. They are darker, and less gemmy generally, than modern Brazilian material, but for hundreds of years these were the gold standard if you wanted to own a European topaz. They remain unique, and matrix pieces such as this are almost unheard of on the market. The crystal is lock-fit repaired to the matrix, and a small crystal in back is also repaired, both cleanly.

Video on Instagram