TOPAZ

ABOUT THE SPECIMEN

Gorgeous crystal of vivid sky-blue Brazilian topaz. The top of the crystal is in fantastic condition with a simply extraordinary, unique termination. Aside from a contact point on the bottom, the rest of the piece presents great as well.

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Itinga sits within the Araçuaí pegmatite district of northeastern Minas Gerais, where Cambrian G4-suite two-mica granites and their associated complex LCT pegmatites produced the fluorine-rich residual melts from which topaz crystallized in open miarolitic cavities. Blue coloration is caused by irradiation-induced lattice color centers - the same mechanism responsible for the treated blue topaz that dominates global gem markets. Crystals from the Teixeirinha and related claims occur as elongated orthorhombic prisms, typically doubly terminated, reaching large sizes while remaining gemmy throughout - some exceeding 400 grams of near-flawless material. A subset of specimens show partial dissolution after primary growth, producing irregular etched surfaces and internal crazing that scatter light dramatically against still-gemmy zones. Associates include muscovite, lepidolite, and rarely zanazziite on matrix. Supply has been periodically refreshed by reworking older claims with modern equipment, and the district continues to produce.