Specifications
Description
Locality: Katlang Topaz Mines, Mardan District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
The limestone of Ghundao hill is believed to be Silurian to Devonian in age, perhaps about 400 million years old. The topaz itself is much younger. A later study found it crystallised at only about 230 °C during the Eocene, in the mountain-building event that raised the Himalaya, rather than from fluids given off by a granite.
Katlang topaz comes from Ghundao, a small hill of grey recrystallised limestone that rises from the farmland of Mardan District about 4 km north of the town of Katlang. A 1986 study in Gems & Gemology by Edward Gübelin and colleagues described the deposit. Narrow calcite veins there hold pink topaz crystals up to 3 cm long, along with larger amounts of reddish brown, tan and colourless topaz.
Katlang topaz is unusual in chemistry. Some of the fluorine normally found in topaz is replaced by hydroxyl, which slightly changes its optical properties and density. Gübelin and his co-authors found that the pink colour comes mainly from traces of chromium, and they reported more than 70,000 carats of gem-quality pink topaz from the deposit by 1986.
This one of a kind champagne topaz specimen has a broad, blocky crystal form with a soft peach-champagne tone and strong natural geometry. The crystal shows clean flat faces, sharp beveled edges, and good transparency through much of the body, while still keeping natural internal fractures, growth lines, and slight clouding that give it real character. What stands out on this piece is the contrast between the smooth, glassy topaz faces and the rougher attached area of pale matrix and small white crystals along one side, which gives it a more complete mineral-specimen look.
Topaz forms in fluorine-rich pegmatites and late-stage cavities where the chemistry allows large aluminum fluoro-silicate crystals to develop. Pakistan is well known for producing collectible topaz specimens, especially crystals with strong shape and good clarity. On this piece, the appeal is not just the color. It is the combination of a stout crystal shape, visible natural growth features, and attached matrix that makes it feel like a proper cabinet specimen instead of loose rough or a trimmed crystal.
People are often drawn to champagne topaz because it has a calmer, more understated look than brighter gemstone colors. In metaphysical circles, it is often associated with clarity, confidence, and steady focus. Pieces like this tend to appeal to people who want something elegant and natural without being flashy.
Chemical Composition: Al2SiO4(F,OH)2
Quantity: 1pc
With this product, you will get the actual stone in the photograph.