Topaz Mountain Rockhound Recreation Area
Utah's state gem, free to collect on BLM land
- Collect
- Topaz, the Utah state gem, and other crystals
- Where
- Thomas Range, Juab County, about 55 miles west of Delta
- Best spots
- Washes and slopes on the south side; seams in the rhyolite
- Bring
- Rock hammer, screwdriver, bags, boots, jeans, sun protection, plenty of water
- Facilities
- None; dispersed camping allowed
- BLM office
- Fillmore Field Office, (435) 743-3100
Public area set aside for recreational collecting
Native material: you search the natural ground on site.
Make a weekend of it
37 gem and mineral spots on open public land with no claim on record, within 50 miles.
There are more on the map, some of them with a possible mining claim.
About Topaz Mountain Rockhound Recreation Area
Topaz Mountain, in the Thomas Range of Juab County, is the classic place to collect Utah's state gem, which has held that title since 1969. The crystals formed in cavities of the Topaz Mountain Rhyolite, a volcanic rock that erupted from vents along faults about six to seven million years ago, as fluorine-rich vapors escaped while the rock cooled. They come out of the ground amber colored and turn clear after long exposure to sunlight.
The BLM area lies about 55 miles west of Delta by US Highway 6 and a paved county road, with a signed dirt road for the last stretch up the mountain. The most popular ground is along the southern slope: small crystals turn up in the washes and on the slopes, and patient work along the seams in the rhyolite can yield gem-quality ones. The BLM suggests a rock hammer, a screwdriver, bags, hiking boots and jeans, since much of the work is done kneeling on sharp rock.
The area is remote, with no water, no services and no facilities, so visitors bring everything they need; dispersed camping is allowed. Rockhounding on BLM land means collecting for noncommercial use, and the BLM part of the mountain is set aside for rockhounds. Marked mining claims are off limits, and the state trust lands on the other side need a permit.
Clubs and places nearby
- Searle Canyon Red Beryl & Topaz MinePay-to-dig · 3 mi
- Maynard's Topaz & Red Beryl MinePay-to-dig · 8 mi
- Durangite & Cassiterite MinePay-to-dig · 11 mi
- Solar Wind Bixbyite & Pink Topaz MinePay-to-dig · 13 mi
- Dugway Geode BedsFree public dig · 16 mi
- A New Dig FossilsPay-to-dig · 23 mi
Where to buy gear nearby
- Larry's Jewelry & Rock ShopShop · 84 mi
- Jim's Gems & JewelryShop · 87 mi
- Simple Elegance Rock Shop and JewelryShop · 87 mi
- GeosearchShop · 97 mi
Access
About 55 miles west of Delta, by US-6 and then a paved county road. A remote area with no water and no services: carry food, plenty of water, tools and emergency gear. There are no facilities, and dispersed camping is allowed.
Technique
Collecting is by hand. The BLM suggests a rock hammer or a regular hammer, a screwdriver and bags for your stones.