Description
This topaz crystal is from the Skardu District, Gilgit, Gilgit Baltistan (Northern Areas), Pakistan. Local miners dig in the granitic pegmatites in the area looking for crystal filled pockets. There are several gem varieties of minerals found in them including topaz. It is a silicate and it contains the elements Al, Si, O, F, and H. It can be found in a variety of colors which are created by different trace impurities in the crystal lattice. This crystal is water clear and gem quality. It has a well defined orthorhombic habit and a glass luster. This is a large thumbnail sized piece that measures 20 x 17 x 16 mm
