Specifications
Description
Locality: Katlang Topaz Mines, Mardan District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
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.
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 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 soft peach to pale champagne tone with good transparency and a strong natural crystal shape. It shows the broad flat faces and sharp angles topaz is known for, along with internal fractures, veils, and growth features that catch the light from different directions. From the photos, it has a clean display presence with a nice terminated form, while still keeping the rough natural character that makes a specimen feel real rather than overly polished or altered.
Topaz forms in fluorine-rich pegmatites, where the chemistry allows aluminum, silica, and volatile-rich fluids to grow large, well-structured crystals. Pakistan has produced some very good topaz over the years, especially from pegmatite districts known for fine crystal specimens. The warm champagne color in topaz can occur naturally, but exact treatment history cannot be confirmed from photos alone unless the source documentation states it.
People are often drawn to champagne topaz because it has a quieter look than bright blue or deep golden material. In metaphysical circles, it is often associated with calm confidence, clarity, and steadiness. It tends to appeal to people who like minerals that feel elegant, natural, and a little understated.
Chemical Composition: Al2SiO4(F,OH)2
Quantity: 1pc
With this product, you will get the actual stone in the photograph.