‘Topaz: A Spectrum in Stone’ Exhibit Set to Dazzle at the Perot Museum

 The Perot Museum of Nature and Science celebrates the breathtaking beauty of one of nature’s most captivating minerals in “Topaz: A Spectrum in Stone.” The Museum’s newest  exhibit features over 100 exquisite topaz specimens from every corner of the world. 

Showcasing an array of brilliant colors and varied sizes, this magnificent global collection is the first assembled by Museum Director of Gems and Minerals Caroline Im.

“Topaz: A Spectrum in Stone,” presented by Texas Counter Fitters, opens Wednesday, October 16, 2024, and runs through October 14, 2025, in the Lyda Hill Gems and Minerals Hall.

The one-of-a-kind collection displays the spectacular scope of crystal structures and colored

stones within the topaz family, including:

● The Imperial Flame topaz: A magnificent 332-carat carving from Ouro Preto, carefully

carved over four weeks, recognized as the largest and finest stone of its caliber in the

world.

● A stupendous 9,630-carat marquise-cut gem from Brazil.

● The largest known “Lone Star Cut” in Texas topaz: a 234-carat gem featuring a five-point

star carved into the pavillion, or bottom, of the stone, reflecting the state symbol through

the gem.

● A 15-pound blue topaz from Brazil.

● Etched topaz showing intricate surface patterns due to the topaz being partially

dissolved in hydrothermal fluids.

The exhibit celebrates the global discoveries of topaz from Texas, across America and
worldwide including Pakistan, Argentina, Namibia, Brazil, Russia and many other countries. Like many of the gems and minerals at the Perot Museum, these specimens are on loan from
generous and renowned private collectors throughout the world, willing to share their
awe-inspiring specimens with the public.

There’s a selection of topaz crystals from Volyn, a renowned region in Ukraine, famous for its large caverns of massive topaz.

Blue topaz is the state gem of Texas and the Perot Museum is proud to highlight the Lone Star
State’s geological discoveries. A variety of other colors can be found across the Lone Star
State, including clear or white topaz–the most common color of the crystal.

Patrons can enjoy the great gamut of topaz specimens from around the world and admire their
natural brilliance at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. The Museum recommends that
visitors plan their trip in advance due to the popularity of the collection. More details can be
found at perotmuseum.org.