The golden-orange Imperial Topaz — the most highly prized variety of November’s birthstone — was originally mined exclusively in Russia’s Ural Mountains during the 19th century. It was named Imperial Topaz to honor the Russian czar, and was considered so special that only royals were allowed to own it.
Today, Brazil is the largest producer of gem-quality topaz, but the mineral is also mined in Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Russia, Australia, Nigeria, Germany, Mexico and the US. In fact, the US Bureau of Land Management (BLM) claims that Utah's Topaz Mountain is "one of the world's great places to find topaz."
The pretty specimen, shown above, was sourced at Topaz Mountain in Juab County, UT. Off the beaten path about 36 miles northwest of Delta, UT, experienced and amateur prospectors alike explore the summit and surrounding areas for the coveted Imperial Topaz.
The topaz crystals formed within cavities of the Topaz Mountain rhyolite, which is a volcanic rock which erupted approximately six to seven million years ago from volcanic vents along faults in the area, according to BLM.
The agency also noted that the topaz crystals at Topaz Mountain are naturally amber colored, but become colorless after extensive exposure to sunlight.
Amateur prospectors will see small, colorless topaz crystals glimmering on slopes on the south side of the 7,000-foot mountain. Those who search the seams in the rhyolite, may find gem-quality, golden-orange crystals. Tour operators sell UV-light reflective bags and warn prospectors to keep their precious topaz finds out of the sunlight.
Topaz Mountain Adventures offers a premium package at $899, which allows a group of up to eight prospectors to witness an actual blast and get first dibs on the treasure found in the freshly exposed rock.
The remote areas near Topaz Mountain offer no services, so BLM recommends carrying plenty of food, water, tools and emergency equipment.
While the prized Imperial Topaz comes in a range of colors from brownish-yellow to orange-yellow and even vibrant red, other varieties of topaz are available in blue, green, pink and purple. Topaz rates an 8 out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it a durable and wearable gem.
Imperial Topaz is the suggested gift for the 23rd or 50th wedding anniversary.
Credit: Photo of topaz crystal by Leon Hupperichs, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Topaz mountain photo by Tweeber69, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
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