Black Topaz: Rare, included Topaz from the Thomas Range, Juab Co., Utah

Photos & content: L.Osborne

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Black Topaz, SK Star Claim, Juab Co., Utah - 1.5 cm

These unique crystals from the SK Star Claim in Juab Co., Utah are nothing short of extraordinary. The Topaz from this deposit displays an abundant of mineral inclusions, causing their unique, black coloration. Opaque, tabular crystals of Wolframoixiolite, black, octahedral Magnetite, colorless spheres of Fluorite, brownish Annite/Phlogopite Mica, Niobium & Orthoclase Feldspar are the main ingredients in these unusual Topaz crystals. Their inclusions also cause them to have a magnetic behavior.

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Black Topaz, SK Star Claim, Juab Co., Utah - 1.5 cm

The inclusions present in these crystals are as unique as they are important to the development of the crystal. Causing distinct interruptions of growth and habits, I believe the inclusions are directly responsible for the extraordinary growths these crystals exhibit. Multiple, intersecting crystals commonly display double terminations, interesting gradients of inclusions and high luster, creating dramatic clusters.

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Black Topaz, SK Star Claim, Juab Co., Utah - 1.6 cm

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Learn more about this discovery from the Gemological Institute of America's recent publication "Gems & Gemology", Summer 2019, Vol. 55, No. 2.

https://www.gia.edu/gems-gemology/summer-2019-microworld-inclusion-rich-black-topaz-utah

SK Star Claims Online

https://skstarclaims.com/

Inside the Oculus

Photos and content: L. Osborne

Welcome to The Oculus Mineral Gallery!

Thank you for joining me in exploring the passion that many of us possess! I was introduced to the world of mineralogy about five years ago and it has been one of the most challenging and rewarding studies of my life. It started deep in the western North Carolina mountains with a gold pan and sluice box. After spending a week in the rugged Appalachian valleys digging through the night, I was consistently distracted by rocks of various colors and shapes. I had very little knowledge of minerals outside of major gemstones and certain rocks.

Five years later; needless to say, I had found something that finally satisfied my curiosity in geology and my insatiable appetite for information. Studying, collecting and prospecting became my routine in life. I believe that minerals are one of the most fascinating and beautiful aspects of our planet. They are our history, our life and our future. I welcome you to join me as I share with you my collection of minerals and the birth of The Oculus Mineral Gallery!