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 richer peach-champagne tone than some of the lighter pieces, with a stout crystal body and sharp, well-defined faces. The crystal has good transparency through parts of the body, but it also carries natural internal fractures, veils, and color zoning that give it more depth and character. The shape is strong and balanced, and the larger termination faces show off the clean geometry that makes topaz so recognizable. It feels substantial and properly natural rather than overly clean or polished.
A big part of the appeal here is the attached white matrix and associated pale bladed crystals along the base and side. That extra mineral growth gives the piece a more complete specimen look and adds contrast against the warm body color of the topaz. Pakistan is known for producing very attractive topaz from pegmatite environments, where fluorine-rich late-stage fluids allow large, well-formed crystals to grow. On this piece, the combination of the deeper champagne color, stout form, and attached matrix makes it read more like a collector specimen than a simple loose crystal.
Metaphysically, champagne topaz is often associated with grounded confidence, focus, and calm direction. People tend to choose it when they want something with a steady, refined feel rather than bright flashy energy. The warmer tone on this specimen gives it a strong but settled presence.
Chemical Composition: Al2SiO4(F,OH)2
Quantity: 1pc
With this product, you will get the actual stone in the photograph.