Imagine two colossal topaz crystals, weighing a combined 181 pounds, being sliced into pieces for scientific equipment. It nearly happened in the early 1960s. Today, the towering crystals are among the star attractions of the Gems and Minerals Gallery at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC.
We recently viewed these remarkable specimens in person, and their sheer majesty is difficult to convey. The larger crystal, shown above, weighs 50.4 kilograms (111 pounds), equivalent to an astonishing 252,000 carats. Its companion weighs 31.8 kilograms (70 pounds). Both are among the world's finest examples of November's official birthstone, and they share a backstory nearly as impressive as their size.
The story is recounted by Jeffrey Edward Post, former curator-in-charge of the Smithsonian’s National Gem and Mineral Collection, in his book Unearthed: Surprising Stories Behind the Jewels.
It began in the late 1950s, when Andy Kulin of Manlabs, a metallurgical research laboratory in Cambridge, Massachusetts, spotted nine enormous topaz crystals displayed in a Los Angeles store window. A sign identified them as being on loan from their owner, Alan Caplan of New York. Kulin and his brother, Phil, recognized that the crystals could be useful in their work with X-ray fluorescence analysis. Andy tracked down Caplan and quickly arranged to buy all nine.
Most of the crystals were eventually sent to a subsidiary company, Crymet, where they were sliced into pieces to make monochromators, optical devices used in scientific measuring instruments. Fortunately, the two largest and most perfect specimens were kept at Manlabs.
Their reprieve was set to be short lived. On the same day the crystals were scheduled to be transported to Crymet for cutting, MIT graduate student Gene Meiran noticed the magnificent crystals in the company president's office. Meiran, an avid mineral collector, immediately understood what was at stake. According to Post's account, he made an emphatic case to company officials that the crystals were extraordinary natural treasures and should not be destroyed. His intervention worked, saving the pair just in time.
The crystals were subsequently loaned to the Smithsonian for exhibition. In 1981, they were donated to the institution by Howard G. Freeman and Joseph M. Linsey, securing their place in the National Gem and Mineral Collection.
Both specimens originated in Minas Gerais, Brazil, a region celebrated worldwide for its remarkable mineral wealth. The historic area around Ouro Preto is particularly famous for Imperial Topaz, a rare and highly prized variety displaying rich golden-yellow, orange, peach and reddish hues. Its distinctive natural colors make it especially desirable to collectors and jewelry lovers. Brazil is a leading source of fine topaz, although the gemstone is also found in countries including Mexico, Sri Lanka, China, Pakistan and Nigeria.
Topaz itself is far more colorful than many people realize. Natural varieties range from colorless and pale green to yellow, pink, reddish brown and the coveted Imperial shades. Much of the vivid blue topaz commonly seen in jewelry today begins as colorless or pale material that is treated with radiation and heat to produce its blue color. With a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, topaz is also a durable choice for everyday jewelry, although care should be taken to protect it from hard knocks.
Topaz is one of November's two official birthstones, sharing the distinction with citrine. For those celebrating a November birthday, the Smithsonian's giant crystals offer a brilliant reminder that this beloved gemstone's intrigue extends far beyond its beauty.
Credit: Photo of the 111-pound Freeman Uncut Topaz by The Jeweler Blog.