Topaz with Quartz

specimen number:
1052497

location:
Klein Spitzkoppe, Daures, Erongo, Namibia

description:
A glassy colorless gemmy crystal of topaz 2.4 cm in height attached to a smoky quartz crystal. In good condition. This and pink example comes with an old label as shown at the end of the video and dates to the early 20th century. Very nice for this old classic Namibian occurrence for the species. Originally obtained from the noted German dealer Will Hirsch in 1928.

Klein Spitzkoppe in Namibia is part of a group of prominent granite inselbergs located in the Namib Desert, formed from intrusive igneous rocks that crystallized deep underground and were later exposed by erosion. The geology consists primarily of coarse grained granite that has weathered to produce steep, isolated peaks rising above the surrounding desert plain. Although not a major mining locality in the traditional sense, the area has been visited by collectors for many years due to the occurrence of minerals in fractures and pockets within the granite. These include topaz, quartz and other minerals formed from late stage fluids that moved through the rock as it cooled and fractured. Klein Spitzkoppe is notable for its striking geologic setting and as an example of granite weathering and mineral formation in an arid environment.

Questions about this specimen?
Send an email or call us: 314-341-1811.