Photos & content: L.Osborne
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.
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.
Learn more about this discovery from the Gemological Institute of America's recent publication "Gems & Gemology", Summer 2019, Vol. 55, No. 2.
SK Star Claims Online
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