TOPAZ MOUNTAIN, UTAH EarthCache

Geologic Information: 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 exposure to sunlight. The crystals formed within cavities of the Topaz Mountain Rhyolite, a volcanic rock which erupted approximately six to seven million years ago (Tertiary Period) from volcanic vents along faults in the area.

Other minerals that can be found at Topaz Mountain are red beryl, amethyst, garnet, pseudobrookite, bixbyite, opal, and hematite.

Where to collect: Single colorless topaz crystals can be found in the washes around Topaz Mountain. Crystals are usually less than an inch long. Larger amber crystals or clusters of topaz and other minerals can be found by breaking open the white rhyolite to find cavities. One of the numerous pits that collectors excavated in their search for topaz and other minerals.

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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.

Useful maps: Utah highway map, Lynndyl and Fish Springs 1:100,000-scale topographic maps, and Topaz Mountain East 7.5-minute topographic map. Topographic maps can be obtained from the Natural Resources Map & Bookstore, 1594 North Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6100, (801) 537-3320 or 1-888-UTAH MAP.

Land ownership: BLM public lands, School Trust Land (state land) on section 16 of Township 13 S., Range 11 W., and possible gemstone leases.

Precautions, miscellaneous: A four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended but not required for the last few miles of the journey. Do not collect on marked claims. Bring a rock hammer, chisels, and protective eyewear if you intend to break pieces of rock. A hat and water are recommended. Watch for rattlesnakes. Please carry out your trash. Good luck and have fun collecting!



All above information taken from: Utah Geological Survey

For additional information on how to plan a trip, what to expect and the best practice for prospecting topaz check out this site Topaz Mountain, Utah

The posted coordinates will take you to the Topaz Mountain Camping Grounds. From there you can explore and prospect the surrounding area. Please make sure you don't prospect on a posted claim this could definitely get you in to some trouble!

Requirements to log this cache:

1. Make the title of your email to me "GC28P44 Topaz Mountain, Utah". Include in the email the date and and number of Geocachers in your group.

2. In your email describe the area you prospected in (was it in a wash or in the rock face). Describe the technique you used and if it was effective or not in gleaning topaz. Also describe the soil or rock you found the topaz in and compare it to the soil or rocks in your own yard (color, texture, weight).

3. Log your experience on this page describing your time here and please post any pictures you may have taken to share with future Cacher's (posting pics is not a requirement but makes the whole experience for you and others fun).

Post A PIC WITH YOUR LOG

Faliure to follow this or any part of the logging tasks will result in disqualification and your log will be "deleted!"


To log the FTF: To claim the FTF you need visit the cache after the posted date. Any visits before will not count! This is in an effort to make it fair and even. (I have added this requirement after several emails I received wanting to claim the FTF from past visits to the area. update 05/24/10)

I will only respond if you have incomplete logging requirements.

Go ahead and log your cache.

ANY LOGS POSTED WITH THE ANSWERS ON THIS PAGE WILL BE DELETED!

If you are so inclined add a waypoint to your log indicating where you found topaz.



Just for fun, post a picture of you and your group at the sign above (not required to log this cache).

Special thanks to the Fillmore Field Office of the BLM for granting permission to place this cache.