Topaz on Quartz

A superbly formed, gemmy Topaz crystal from Dassu in the Braldu Valley of Gilgit, Northern Areas, Pakistan.  The light sherry Topaz is over 3 cm tall with a flat pinacoid termination, steep pyramidal faces and a vitreous lustre.  The Topaz crystal stands proud of an inclined cluster of tan coloured Quartz crystals to 5.6 cm, along with several platy Albite crystals and a partial coating of prismatic micro-crystalline green Epidote.  The Topaz is in great condition with no incipient basal cleavages which are commonly seen.  It is a fabulous specimen and a complete eye-catcher!