Topaz: Medina Pegmatite Field, Pedra Azul District, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Description

Species: Topaz

Locality: Medina Pegmatite Field, Pedra Azul District, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Dimensions: 9.5 x 7.5 x 7.5 cm.

Brazil’s Median Pegmatite Field, while much more famous for it’s world-class aquamarine crystals (featured in a recent Mineralogical Record article), has also produced a small number of fine gem topaz crystals. This large, very pale blue crystal has great ‘chisel tip’ orthorhombic form, with sharp, lustrous faces and a gem-quality interior. The crystal has an unusual, almost ‘sceptered’ lower third which may have originally grown in pegmatite matrix. A choice large topaz from a classic Brazilian locality! Annette Slade photo.