The Thomas Mountains in Utah have long been popular with collectors as a source of fine topaz crystals of a natural light sherry color. Upon one to two weeks of exposure to strong sunlight, the sherry color will fade, leaving a colorless crystal. The fact that topaz from this locale fades probably accounts for the reason that the topaz is rarely cut into gemstones. Although there are a few private claims in this topaz region, much of the area is reserved for recreational collectors. The topaz crystals from the Thomas Range are formed in gas cavities in a grayish rhyolite rock. Usually the crystals form as single points, as the specimen shown above. Occasionally, very attractive clusters of topaz, still attached to rhyolite, are obtained. I obtained the above crystal at one of the 2004 Tucson gem and mineral shows. This piece is actually facet grade topaz, and I purchased it for that reason. The crystal itself is absolutely beautiful; one of the best single crystals I have seen from Topaz Mountain. Perhpas you would like to save this crystal from the facetor's lap? The sherry color of this crystal will persist as long as the specimen is exposed to strong light for only brief periods. (M379, $65.00 On Hold) BACK