Topaz

This classic topaz crystal hails from the famous Thomas Range in Utah, a well-known locality for mineral collectors. Alongside red beryl, Topaz is one of the most sought-after and recognizable minerals from the area. This thumbnail-sized piece showcases a well-formed, gem-quality, sherry-coloured crystal with great lustre and minor rhyolite attached at its base. Topaz Mountain, situated at the southern end of the Thomas Range, is famous for its amber-coloured topaz, which naturally fade to colourless upon prolonged exposure to sunlight. The crystals formed within cavities of the Topaz Mountain Rhyolite, a volcanic rock that erupted approximately six to seven million years ago during the Tertiary Period. The area, managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), is a favourite destination for both amateur and professional rockhounds, as rock and mineral collection is permitted. Visitors can often spot Topaz crystals glittering on the ground in this geologically rich location.