Topaz

Topaz, an aluminium-fluorine silicate, is well known for forming magnificently large and impressive crystals, and although not the largest ever known, this is an impressive example from the pegmatite mines at Volodarsk-Volynskii in the Ukraine.  Re-named Khoroshiv Raion in 2015, this large pegmatite body extends for some 22 km and is famous for its Heliodor beryl and Topaz specimens which are found in huge pockets given the name ‘chamber pegmatites’.  This ex-matrix specimen is certainly a beast, measuring 9.1 x 8.5 x 5.8 cm at its widest dimensions.  The Topaz is coloured what may be described as clove brown, pale to medium sherry or even deep champaign.  The prism faces and partly damaged termination are frosted, giving the crystal a cloudy appearance.  However, when viewed along its c-axis (vertically) from its perfectly cleaved base, it is observed the outer prism faces are sherry brown with an almost colourless interior of excellent transparency.  An impressive Topaz crystal from the Volodarsk-Volynskii mines in the Ukraine.