History · Geology
About Volyn (Volodarsk-Volynskii)
The Volyn (Volodarsk-Volynskii) pegmatite chamber in the Korosten pluton, northwest Ukraine, is a unique miarolitic pegmatite province producing world-class topaz, heliodor, phenakite, and smoky quartz from giant gem-bearing cavities up to 5 m across.
Geology
The pegmatites are Mid-Proterozoic miarolitic gem-cavity zones in anorthosite-rapakivi granite of the Korosten complex. The cavities are unusually large by world standards and exceptionally productive.
Notable Minerals
Topaz (sherry, blue, colorless gem crystals to 30 kg), heliodor (golden-yellow beryl — Volyn is the type-quality source), phenakite (large rhombohedral crystals), beryl, smoky quartz (large smoky points), feldspar, muscovite, fluorapatite.
Collector Notes
Volyn topaz and heliodor specimens are gem-pegmatite cornerstones. The associated giant “smoky quartz” specimens are among the largest crystallized quartz pieces ever produced.
Minerals Produced Here
- Agate (玛瑙)
- Amethyst (紫水晶)
- Beryl (绿柱石)
- Chalcedony (玉髓)
- Citrine (黄水晶)
- Fluorapatite (氟磷灰石)
- Jasper (碧玉)
- Muscovite (白云母)
- Phenakite (似晶石)
- Quartz (石英 / 水晶)
- Rose Quartz (玫瑰石英)
- Topaz (黄玉)
