Bixbyite on Topaz (ex Dr. Miguel Romero Collection)

Item Description

This rare iron manganese oxide is not seen is fine crystallized specimens very often these days, and these are among the most classic of species from the western United States, ESPECIALLY on matrix! Here we have a classic Bixbyite / Topaz specimen from the famous Thomas Range in Utah. Aside from Red Beryl, this is the most sought after and recognizable mineral from the area. The main Bixbyite crystal is the focal point as it has rather sharp, lustrous faces and meaures 4 mm associated with a few smaller Bixbyites which are sitting on a sharp, lustrous, gemmy, doubly-terminated sherry colored Topaz crystal. The Topaz is partially included with rhyolite(?) giving it a bit of a "sandy" appearance on one end. One end of the Topaz has a separation mark near one of the terminations where another crystal once grew. Probably mined circa 1970s-1980s. From the collection of Senator / Dr. Miguel Romero of Teuhuacan, Mexico (Collection #6403). For more information on this important collection, use the link to this free online copy of our 2008 book on his collection: http://www.irocks.com/e-book-romero/