Detailed information
Dimensions
40 x 72 x 34
mm
Weight
82 g
Locality
Klein Spitzkopje Spitzkopje Area, Karibib, Erongo Region, Namibia
Condition
No recorded repairs
Well-known for fine, well-formed gem Topaz crystals, the dispersed miarolitic cavities at Klein Spitzkopje in the Erongo Region of Namibia continue to produce the occasional discovery, but generally not of the quality of historic finds. Good combinations of gemmy Topaz and Smoky Quartz from Klein Spitzkopje are actually quite rare. Miniature in size, this interesting specimen is far from perfect, but is very good for this famous area. It features a 3.8 cm long doubly-terminated Topaz crystal nestled between two parallel Smoky Quartz crystals. The larger of the two Smoky Quartz crystals, at 6.5 cm in length is fully terminated and presents an extremely gemmy upper third, which is unusual for the locality. The lower part of the back of this crystal is missing where it was attached to host rock. The second Smoky Quartz has a good smoky brown colour but is slightly cloudy and is totally missing its termination and upper section caused by a natural truncated surface representing the cast of another Quartz crystal which lay completely across it but is now gone. The Topaz crystal is colourless to cream and partially transparent with flashes of orange, possibly from iron-staining. It is intact, but shows significant internal fracturing and has a natural etched 'pocket' on one face. In combination with the Smoky Quartz it makes for a great example from this most famous of African localities.