Topaz (GEM crystal)

Item Description

A superb old-time Topaz crystal from the 1970s from the famed Klein Spitzkopje granite stock in Namibia. This area is certainly ne of the great Topaz-producing localities in the world in the last 50 years or so. This piece is highly transparent (virtually WATER-CLEAR in the majority of the crystal) that has nearly 100% colorless purity. The stepped modifying faces around the termination are etched in a beautiful way that creates a gentle form, but the prism faces are sharp and glassy, for a stark contrast. The same etching can be seen on the lower portion of the crystal as well for a nice touch. No major damage that I can find. A superb, and good sized example of these well-known Topaz crystals. Specimen weight is 143.72 grams. Valued $2,500 for size, quality and the classic locale.
This piece comes to us from the legendary Ron Romanella (February 28, 1932 - October 24, 2022), a well-known gem and mineral dealer from New York City. He studied mineralogy at Columbia School of Mines, and he was mentored by Dr. Frederick Pough of the American Museum of Natural History, and learned about the business side from well-known mineral dealers Hugh Ford and Maurice Hammoneau. Ron himself was a mentor to other successful East Coast mineral dealers such as Larry Conklin, Herb Obodda and even employed Dave Wilber for a time. He largely transitioned out of selling minerals as his business focused more on gems for the last few decades, and his sons Michael and Jerry have been running the family business in Scottsdale for many years now. With that said, Ron was one of the great powerhouse mineral dealers in the US for many years, offering fine quality specimens and gem crystals from classic and contemporary localities. Among his top achievements, is that Ron is credited with importing the first known crystals of Tanzanite into the US in the 1960s.