Description
Bixbyite & Gem Pink Topaz ? Location: Solar Wind Mine – Thomas Range Juab Co. Utah. This is from the Solar Wind claim that we own and operate and have been developing over the last 20 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.
