Imagine sinking your shovel into a soft mound of earth and unearthing a real gemstone. You sift through the dirt and grime and finally reveal the glittering blue color. You slip it in your pocket. Well, Mason County Topaz is yours for the taking. Yes, you read that right. In Mason County, you have the opportunity to dig for blue, yellow, and clear topaz, and keep what you find!
This thrilling experience is available to the public for a small daily fee. All you need is a shovel and a thin wire screen with tightly knit mesh. You can embark on this daily adventure at Bar M Ranch, Seaquist Ranch, and Lindsay Ranch. Each location asks that you call ahead to make a reservation to participate in a dig. Ranches are closed for deer season from November to January, but the spring, summer, and fall months are open for digging in the gorgeous sunshine.
Each location surrounds Mason, TX, in close proximity to Dos Rios. Embrace your inner adventurer and spend the day sifting for jewels under the stunning sky of Mason, Texas. Make a day of it. Keep what you find. Wear your success. Brag to your friends. Bring them along next time.
Additional Topaz Hunting Information:
- The Texas State Gem: Topaz, the state gem of Texas, is found within the borders of the state only in Mason County. It occurs in granite outcroppings principally in the Streeter, Grit, and Katemcy areas. It is usually found in streambeds and ravines but occasionally can be located atop the ground. Topaz resembles quartz and ranges in color from clear to brown to yellow to sky blue. The blue stones are especially beautiful when faceted in the Lone Star cut.
- Hunting Equipment: Items you will need with which to hunt topaz are a pick and shovel and a wire screen with about ¼ inch mesh. Small pieces of topaz can sometimes be found by sifting dirt through the screen. A nice-to-have but optional item is a chemical called bromoform. Topaz will sink in this chemical, whereas the less dense quartz it so resembles will float. WARNING: bromoform is highly toxic and should be handled with care and kept away from children.
- Best Times for Hunting: You can enjoy topaz hunting throughout the year except during the months of November, December, and early January, when the ranches are closed for deer season. Since digging is often required to find stones, topaz hunting is more pleasant when done during the cooler months. The week following a rain is an excellent time to hunt topaz, as the ground is softer and easier to dig.
- Public Topaz Hunting: Currently, no Mason County ranches are offering public topaz hunting.
- Please Respect Private Property: REMEMBER: DO NOT TRESPASS ON PRIVATE PROPERTY AT ANY TIME.
Embrace the thrill of Mason County Topaz hunting, a unique adventure in the heart of Texas Hill Country.