MASON COUNTY TOPAZ
The Texas State Gem
Topaz, the state gem of Texas, is found within the borders of the state only in Mason County. It occurs in granite outcroppings principally in the Streeter, Grit, and Katemcy areas. It is usually found in streambeds and ravines but occasionally can be located atop the ground.
Topaz resembles quartz and ranges in color from clear to brown to yellow to sky blue. The blue stones are especially beautiful when faceted in the Lone Star cut.
Items you will need with which to hunt topaz are a pick and shovel and a wire screen with about ¼ inch mesh. Small pieces of topaz can sometimes be found by sifting dirt through the screen. A nice-to-have but optional item is a chemical called bromoform. Topaz will sink in this chemical, whereas the less dense quartz it so resembles will float. WARNING: bromoform is highly toxic and should be handled with care, and kept away from children
You can enjoy topaz hunting throughout the year except during the months of November, December and early January, when the ranches are closed for the deer season. Since digging is often required to find stones, topaz hunting is more pleasant when done during the cooler months. The week following a rain is an excellent time to hunt topaz, since the ground is softer and easier to dig.
Currently, only two Mason County ranches offer the public the opportunity to go topaz hunting. They charge by the day; you keep what you find. Some very nice stones have been found in this way. In fact, since there is no commercial mining of Mason County topaz, hunting it yourself is one of the main ways of finding it. You may hunt topaz at either of the following ranches.
Seaquist Ranch: The fee is $15.00 per person per day. Children, ages 7-12 are $5.00 per day, and children under 7 are free. Located about 7 miles out of town, contact Mike Seaquist for first hunt & directions at 325/347-5413.
Lindsay Ranch: The fee is $10.00 per day for everyone 12-years-old and over (youngsters are free). Located just 4 miles out of town, call Deloris Lindsay for access and directions at 325/347-4052
Mason County's Museum on the Square features the largest topaz found in North America. The raw stone weighs over 5 lbs (making it 11,150 carats!) and is a must see for treasure hunters!
For those wishing to purchase, there are several stores in Mason which offer the cut gemstone, loose or mounted.
Call us for more information on these establishments!
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