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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 three 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.
Garner Seaquist Ranch
charges $15 per person per day. Children,
ages 7-12 are $5 per day, and children under 7 are free. Contact Mike Seaquist
for first hunt at 325/347-5413.
Lindsay Ranch: Take US 87 north
from the Mason Courthouse 4 miles north of town. You'll see the sign for Lindsay
Ranch Road on your left, as well as a sign for their Comanche Creek lodging
facility. Follow the signs on up to the house. Call first to make sure someone
will be available. 325/347-4052
Sources for Cut Stones
Please contact cutters
directly for availability and prices.
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