Description
Bixbyite & Gem Pink Topaz – Location: Thomas Range, Juab Co., Utah. This is from the Solar Wind claim that we (topazminer) own and operate and have been developing over the last few years. Here we have an interesting combination. We have some bixbyite crystals with some small gemmy pink topaz crystals perched on the bixbyite. The topaz crystals are small but well-formed and gemmy with a pale amber color. The bixbyite crystals have a brilliant black metallic luster and are highly modified. Note! The topaz crystals from this location are unusual in that they are “not” light sensitive. The topaz crystals start out the same as the other topaz from the Thomas Range, as sherry colored crystals. After direct exposure to the sun 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.
