Description | Topaz is a common gemstone, sometimes confused with citrine. Chemically, it is an aluminum silicate fluoride hydroxide, Al2SiO4(F,OH)3. The crystals in this photo come from Topaz Mountain, in the Thomas Range, Utah. They are in a light gray to white rhyolite, some of which can be seen in the photo (attached to the largest crystal). Topaz Valley, the main topaz collecting area, was set aside by the Bureau of Land Management as a rockhound area. Prized specimens of topaz form this location are sherry colored but clear topaz is more easily found. |