This new exhibit at the Perot Museum features over 100 exquisite topaz specimens.
It’s not often the perfect match present itself. But when TCF co-founders Chris Blackburn and Andrew Gilbert heard about the opportunity to sponsor the Perot Museum’s new “Topaz: A Spectrum in Stone,” they knew it was a natural fit.
“We’re thrilled to be a part of this amazing exhibit showcasing one of nature’s most captivating minerals,” said Chris.
According to Caroline Im, Perot’s Director of Gems and Minerals, “This exhibit highlights the significance of topaz, especially Texas topaz, alongside other locations from around the world.”
Stars of the show include:
- The Imperial Flame topaz – a magnificent 332-carat carving from Ouro Preto, Brazil –recognized as the largest and finest stone of its caliber in the world.
- An extraordinary Brazilian 9,630-carat marquise-cut gem.
- The largest known “Lone Star Cut” of a Texas topaz – a 234-carat gem featuring a five-point star carved into the bottom of the stone. Fun fact: Visitors will also get a glance at the specimen of topaz that sat on the desk of Texas Gov. Preston Smith when he signed the law making blue topaz the official state gem in 1969.
- A 15-pound Brazilian blue topaz.
- An etched topaz featuring intricate surface patterns – the result of the topaz being partially dissolved in hydrothermal fluids.
The Lyda Hill Gems and Mineral Hall at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science is open Wednesday – Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm; Sunday, 11 am to 5 pm. The presentation runs through October 2025.
