Topaz Mountain is
located on the southern end of the Thomas Range.
This range is very popular to rock collecting
enthusiasts. Topaz, Utah's state gem; is a
semiprecious gemstone that occurs as very hard
transparent crystals in a variety of colors.
The Topaz crystals at Topaz Mountain are naturally
amber colored, but become colorless after exposed to
sunlight. The crystals formed within cavities
of the Topaz Mountain Rhyolit, a
volcanic rock which erupted approximately six to seven million years
ago (Tertiary Period) from volcanic vents along faults in the area.
Clear Topaz can be seen glittering in the
sunlight all over the ground. Washes are a great place to find
clear Topaz. But if you're looking to find the more sought after
amber colored Topaz you will have to do a little work. You want to
search for bushes or any other kind of vegetation growing out of the
cracks in the Rhyolite, this is a sign of weakness in the rock, and is usually
a great location to find Topaz. Probe these areas with your
screwdriver to find soft spots that may lead you to a pocket
containing amber colored Topaz.
There are several areas within Topaz
mountain that have been blasted for easy collecting
of clear Topaz, you may also chance upon small amber
colored Topaz that has been overlooked by the
serious rock hound. We have visited Topaz
Mountain several times, it always seems to be a big
hit with the kids. Where else can they dig in
the dirt with out getting in trouble, and come out
with a bag of treasures to boot.
Topaz Mountain is fun
for everyone, from the beginner to the novice.
As you enter the Topaz bowl you will find plenty of
camping. The lower hills are surrounded by
acres of flats so the trailer is no problem.
However for those that choose to tent it, you can
pull right up into the heart of the bowl and throw a
tent almost anywhere. There is no water for
miles so be sure and come prepared, also the road
back into the bowl gets pretty rutted, and rocky so
if you are pulling a trailer I definitely recommend
camping in the lower hills, and you can drive the
short distance to the collecting sites. There
are also hundreds of miles of roads and trails
around Topaz mountain perfect for your ATV's.
ATV's also make it easy to access some of the
rougher roads and get you back into prime collecting
locations.
If you plan on visiting
Topaz Mountain these are some of the tools that you
should bring: rock hammer, or regular hammer, screw
driver, bags for your gems, hiking boots, hat, sun
screen, bug repellant and once again don't forget
the water! Jeans are also a good idea because
you will be spending most of your time on your
knees, and the rocks are very ruff and jagged.
How to get there: From Nephi, Utah,
travel 33 miles southwest on State Highway 132 to Lynndyl. Turn south on
U.S. Highway 6 and drive for approximately 5 miles. Turn west on the Brush
Wellman road and travel 38 miles until you reach the Topaz Mountain sign.
Turn north on the dirt road and drive about 2 miles, then turn west toward
Topaz Mountain.
On your way home from Topaz be sure
to stop a soak your bones at Baker
Hot Springs.
