Why The Incredibly Rare Texas Blue Topaz Just Became Harder To Find

In case you were unaware, Texas has an official state gemstone. It's topaz, and there's a very unique blue topaz that you can find in Texas. While some gems are treated to have certain colors, the particular topaz we're talking about is naturally "sky blue". Unfortunately, you can't look for it anymore unless you have connections.

Get our free mobile app

The Hunt For Blue Topaz In The Lone Star State

The blue topaz in question is found on ranches in Mason County. The rare topaz has called out like a siren to collectors and enthusiasts for a long time. Many have made the trip to Mason County to pay a daily fee and go hunt for the rare blue topaz of Texas.

Over the years, however, ranchers haven't been too fond of the conditions that rock-loving tourists have left the land in. Digging for blue topaz isn't a problem. Leaving the holes behind is. Those holes can cause all kinds of ranchers who depend on the land and their cattle for their livelihood. Fees paid by rock hunters aren't necessarily what puts food on the table.

As years have gone by, more and more ranches have closed off their land to those in search of the elusive Texas blue topaz. The final holdout has finally closed its doors.

The End Of Public Hunting Of Blue Topaz In Texas?

Supposedly, the final ranch to have its doors open to those searching for blue topaz was Lindsay Ranch in Mason County. Over the past couple of days, collectors have been mourning the loss of the blue topaz hunting grounds. As it stands now, we in the general public don't have much of a prayer of being able to go and dig on our own.

The only way you go snag a blue topaz to impress people with is to either have a connection with someone who has land or buy it on the internet. Outside of those two options, you're pretty much out of luck for the moment.

It's sad. Imagine if people quit letting you take pictures with their bluebonnets. That's what this feels like for people who get off on playing in the dirt looking for gems. It's more than just gems. It's part of being Texan.

Then again, you have to see it from the point of view of the ranchers. I wouldn't take kindly to people digging holes and making a mess of my land either, especially if I have cattle on that land I depend on to feed my family. It's a shame the inconsiderate few ruined something that meant a lot to so many.