- Blue topaz
The blue
topaz is theTexas state gemstone, often cut with the Lone Star cut - the Texas state gemstone cut showing a star in the heart of the gem. [ [http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/ref/abouttx/symbols/gem.html Texas State Library & Archives Commission Web site] ]Locations
This specific variety of
topaz is mostly found in the north-westernTexas Hill Country in theLlano Uplift , an old granite outcropping. Those visiting theTexas Hill Country can hunt for these stones on certain ranches. The Mason County Chamber of Commerce says there is no commercial mining of topaz in that county. [ [http://www.masontxcoc.com/topaz.htm Mason, Texas Chamber of Commerce Web site] ]The Handbook of Texas Online says "Colorless and light-blue varieties of topaz are found in Precambrian granite in the vicinity of Streeter in Mason County. Topaz is not produced commercially." [ [http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/MM/gpm1.html Handbook of Texas Online - Mineral Resources and Mining] ]
The blue topaz is found naturally in many locations. The Texas Natural Science Center exhibits a 1778 carat blue topaz found in a Brazilian mine. [ [http://www.utexas.edu/tmm/exhibits/treasures/blue_topaz.html Blue Topaz - Natural Wonders: Treasures of the Texas Natural Science Center] ]
References
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