Topaz Mountain facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Topaz Mountain |
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Topaz Mountain from the East
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 7,052 ft (2,149 m) NAVD 88 |
| Prominence | 706 ft (215 m) |
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 Topaz Mountain
Location in Utah
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| Location | Juab County, Utah, U.S. |
| Parent range | Thomas Range |
| Topo map | USGS Topaz Mountain East |
Topaz Mountain is a special peak located in the Thomas Range in Utah. It's famous for its beautiful, shiny minerals. People often visit this mountain to find amazing gemstones like topaz, red beryl, and opal.
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Exploring Topaz Mountain
Topaz Mountain is found in Juab County, Utah. It is about 36 miles northwest of Delta, Utah. This mountain is on public land, which means anyone can visit it. The land is looked after by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
Many people love to visit Topaz Mountain. They come to collect rocks and minerals. These collectors are often called "rockhounds." Both beginners and experienced rockhounds enjoy searching for treasures here.
Amazing Minerals You Can Find
Topaz Mountain is well-known for its unique and valuable minerals. These minerals formed millions of years ago. They are hidden inside the rocks or found loose on the ground.
Topaz: Utah's State Gemstone
Topaz is a beautiful gemstone. It is very hard and can be clear or have different colors. Natural topaz from Topaz Mountain often looks amber or brownish. However, when it's exposed to sunlight, it can turn clear.
This gemstone forms inside holes in a volcanic rock called rhyolite. This happened when volcanoes erupted about six to seven million years ago. You can find topaz crystals stuck in the rhyolite rock. You can also find them loose on the mountain slopes and in dry streambeds.
Red Beryl: A Rare Treasure
Red beryl is a very rare mineral found at Topaz Mountain. It appears as small crystals. Often, these crystals are attached to other minerals. Red beryl is so rare that it's estimated you might find only one red beryl crystal for every 150,000 diamonds.
Because it is so rare, red beryl can be very expensive. Top-quality red beryl gemstones can cost a lot of money.
Other Cool Minerals
Besides topaz and red beryl, many other interesting minerals are found at Topaz Mountain. These include garnet, amethyst, opal, pseudobrookite, and hematite. Each of these minerals has its own unique look and properties.
