Topaz on Quarz

Topaz – Al₂SiO₄F₂

Elements: Aluminum, Silicon, Oxygen, Fluorine

Class: Silicates – Nesosilicates

Crystal System: Orthorhombic

Hardness: 8

Topaz

Talc (1)Diamond (10)

Extremely hard. Harder than most gemstones.

Quartz – SiO₂

Elements: Silicon, Oxygen

Class: Silicates – Tectosilicates

Crystal System: Hexagonal

Hardness: 7

Quartz

Talc (1)Diamond (10)

Very hard. Scratches glass and steel.

Origin: Dassu, Shigar Valley, Baltistan, Northern Areas – Pakistan History: Ex Conklin Collection

More Orthorhombic specimens