Description
Bixbyite & Gem Pink Topaz (Direct Mine Source) ? Location: Thomas Range Juab Co. Utah. Large Thumbnail (see photo for more details). Here we have an aesthetic specimen of highly modified bixbyite crystals along with some small gemmy crystals of topaz from the Solar Wind claim in the Thomas Range in western Utah. The bixbyite crystals are well formed and sharp and are modified and have a black color along with a brilliant black metallic luster. There are also some small but sharply formed amber topaz crystals that are perched on or inter-grown with the bixbyite crystals. Please note these topaz crystals are from a specific area where if these crystals are placed in direct sunlight (artificial light has no effect) for a week or so the sherry color fades away revealing the true pale rose pink color of the crystals. The color is there from the start it is just masked by the radiation induced sherry color. Trace amounts of manganese (Mn) are responsible for the pink color. The pink color is completely stable! The topaz crystals pictured here have not yet undergone the color change to pink and as such shows the usual amber color that the topaz have when they are found in previously unexposed cavities.
