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.
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.
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.
This one of a kind champagne topaz specimen has a strong, squat crystal form with a soft peach to champagne tone and a broad, well-shaped termination. The crystal shows clean geometric faces and good overall symmetry, but it still keeps enough natural texture and internal character to feel like a real specimen rather than something overly cleaned up. From the photos, this piece has a nice balance between transparency and softness, with some internal veils, faint inclusions, and natural growth marks that give it depth when the light moves across it.
What makes this one stand out is the stout shape and the large uninterrupted top face. A lot of topaz from Pakistan is appreciated for exactly that kind of structure: solid crystal form, sharp edges, and pleasant color without needing anything flashy. This piece also has a bit of remaining natural contact and roughness around the edges, which helps keep its mineral character intact. It reads as a proper specimen first, not just gem rough.
Metaphysically, champagne topaz is often associated with calm confidence, focus, and steadiness. People are usually drawn to it when they want something that feels grounded and refined rather than bright or dramatic. The softer color gives it a quiet, balanced look that many people connect with clarity and self-control.
Chemical Composition: Al2SiO4(F,OH)2
Quantity: 1pc
With this product, you will get the actual stone in the photograph.