Topaz, St Anns Mine, Mwami, Karoi District, Mashonaland West, Zimbabwe
Size: 3.6x3.5x2.7cm
Species: Topaz
Locality: St Ann’s Mine, Mwami, Karoi District, Mashonaland West, Zimbabwe
Description: The St Ann’s mine is world renowned for its high quality unheated blue topaz crystals. The mine has had a number of operators through its history since it was discovered in the 1950s as a beryllium deposit. A large part of the history has been riddled with political strife adding challenges to operating the mine. When Peter Bancroft ventured to the mine site in the early 70’s he recounts that “Just the week before, a land mine blew up a truck near St. Anne’s and killed six people. Few pilots wished to jeopardize their lives or aircraft by flying in the region. Insurgents used heat-seeking surface-to-air rockets reportedly had downed two aircraft in previous weeks”. However hearing there were fantastic blue topazes available Bancroft did indeed visit the mine and obtain a quantity of specimens. The mine has recently as of 2019 re-opened. However with most localities by far the best specimens to ever be found were close to the beginning of the mine life. This specimen and many of the best were produced were mined in the in the 60’s to early 70’s. This is the best natural blue topaz that I have had the pleasure of passing through my hands. Although this specimen would produce several large gemstones in my opinion it is far superior as a large gem quality mineral specimen. This is would be a fantastic addition to almost any collection. Ex. Blain Bard Collection.
Size: 3.6x3.5x2.7cm
Species: Topaz
Locality: St Ann’s Mine, Mwami, Karoi District, Mashonaland West, Zimbabwe
Description: The St Ann’s mine is world renowned for its high quality unheated blue topaz crystals. The mine has had a number of operators through its history since it was discovered in the 1950s as a beryllium deposit. A large part of the history has been riddled with political strife adding challenges to operating the mine. When Peter Bancroft ventured to the mine site in the early 70’s he recounts that “Just the week before, a land mine blew up a truck near St. Anne’s and killed six people. Few pilots wished to jeopardize their lives or aircraft by flying in the region. Insurgents used heat-seeking surface-to-air rockets reportedly had downed two aircraft in previous weeks”. However hearing there were fantastic blue topazes available Bancroft did indeed visit the mine and obtain a quantity of specimens. The mine has recently as of 2019 re-opened. However with most localities by far the best specimens to ever be found were close to the beginning of the mine life. This specimen and many of the best were produced were mined in the in the 60’s to early 70’s. This is the best natural blue topaz that I have had the pleasure of passing through my hands. Although this specimen would produce several large gemstones in my opinion it is far superior as a large gem quality mineral specimen. This is would be a fantastic addition to almost any collection. Ex. Blain Bard Collection.
Size: 3.6x3.5x2.7cm
Species: Topaz
Locality: St Ann’s Mine, Mwami, Karoi District, Mashonaland West, Zimbabwe
Description: The St Ann’s mine is world renowned for its high quality unheated blue topaz crystals. The mine has had a number of operators through its history since it was discovered in the 1950s as a beryllium deposit. A large part of the history has been riddled with political strife adding challenges to operating the mine. When Peter Bancroft ventured to the mine site in the early 70’s he recounts that “Just the week before, a land mine blew up a truck near St. Anne’s and killed six people. Few pilots wished to jeopardize their lives or aircraft by flying in the region. Insurgents used heat-seeking surface-to-air rockets reportedly had downed two aircraft in previous weeks”. However hearing there were fantastic blue topazes available Bancroft did indeed visit the mine and obtain a quantity of specimens. The mine has recently as of 2019 re-opened. However with most localities by far the best specimens to ever be found were close to the beginning of the mine life. This specimen and many of the best were produced were mined in the in the 60’s to early 70’s. This is the best natural blue topaz that I have had the pleasure of passing through my hands. Although this specimen would produce several large gemstones in my opinion it is far superior as a large gem quality mineral specimen. This is would be a fantastic addition to almost any collection. Ex. Blain Bard Collection.
