Photos & content: L. Osborne
Thumbnail sized minerals are highly sought after specimens, especially those displaying exceptional crystal forms. Deposits from both Utah and Mexico are known for their clusters of Topaz, as well as some Chinese deposits. In my personal research, I've yet to see more complexity and variance in crystal clusters as those from the SK Star Claim. In the same respect, the single crystals are just as impressive in form, terminations and inclusions. In this post, I'll be focusing on the exceptional form and focus of "thumbnail" specimens.
Many of the Black Topaz crystals exhibit gradients of inclusions that often fade out near the termination or even abruptly stopping; creating a "capped" look. Crystals like the one showed above are less than 1 cm, many only being several millimeters in size. A range of quality can be found from the smallest crystals to some of the largest reaching several centimeters in length.
Single and double terminated crystals are not uncommon at the SK Star Claim, ranging in heavily included specimens that are solid black or even transparent; golden crystals that appear "peppered" with lightly scattered inclusions. I've found that some of the heavily included crystals display a mirror-like luster.
Clusters like the one displayed above can be found in a range of sizes. Most of the crystals are floaters, intersecting, penetrating, double terminated and seemingly endless. They are far more uncommon than single crystals and I was fortunate to add some of these clusters to my collection to photograph and I look forward to sharing more with you. Black Topaz is exceedingly difficult to photograph for many reasons but the clusters enjoy any bit of light you shed on them.
SK Star Claims Online
Learn more about this discovery from the Gemological Institute of America's recent publication "Gems & Gemology", Summer 2019, Vol. 55, No. 2.
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