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Topaz Mountain, Juab County
View
of Topaz Mountain. The white rock is Rhyolite. The Topaz crystals
where formed within the cavities of this rock. Taken
By Utah Outdoor Activities
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. 
Searching
for the prized amber Topaz Taken
By Utah Outdoor Activities
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. 
View
of one of the collecting sites. Taken
By Utah Outdoor Activities
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. 
Picture
of rock hounds at work. Taken
By Utah Outdoor Activities
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.
Nearby Hotel Accommodations
Best Western Motor Inn Delta Utah
On your way home from Topaz be sure
to stop a soak your bones at Baker
Hot Springs.
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