PALA-312
Topaz on Cleavelandite
Little Three Mine, near Ramona, San Diego County, California, USA
Small Cabinet, 6.6 x 6.2 x 4.5 cm
Ex. William (Bill) Larson
SOLD
A very RARE MATRIX specimen of topaz from this classic mine! Matrix specimens I have seen, I can count on one hand! This is a spectacularly displayed crystal perched on the edge of a rounded mass of bladed cleavelandite (albite) matrix, making for stark contrast. The main crystal is very symmetric and gemmy, although in the photo it looks a little worse than in real life. The sidecar cluster on the left side of the main crystal is complete and terminated. Although repaired (1 cm from the topaz base), it is very showy and aesthetic, and in context I can live with the repair given the rarity and, I think, fair price. The topaz is 4.3 x 3 x 2.5 cm in size and is DOUBLY TERMINATED.