FOREWORD
Have you ever been at a collecting place and didn't have a clue what to do.This reminds me of my first trip to Topaz Mountain. You first have to understand my position before I went to the Thomas Range. I started out as "rock" hound, simply gathering pretty rocks that crossed my path (mainly agates). Then, when I stepped into "Topaz Valley", I was transformed into a mineral collector. Don't let the sign at the Topaz Mountain turnoff deceive you, topaz is not a "rock", it's a precious gemstone, ranked with diamonds, rubies, and emeralds. That is why I picked Topaz Mountain. When I finally got there, I was so excited to pick up my first clear topaz crystal (1 cm.). Little did I know what was just beneath my feet. Beautiful sherry colored topaz and other minerals hiding in the lithophysal cavities at Topaz Mountain. You just have to find them, it's addictive.
The purpose of this book is to give the reader a starting point for searching out the treasures of Topaz Mountain. In the little time I've spent with the author, I have learned more than I did in six years on my own. The author, John Holfert, has a great deal of knowledge and he is willing to share his expertise to help save you many hours of searching the hillsides for these beautiful minerals. That is the challenge for this book, giving as much knowledge to the reader as possible. This could save countless hours of searching the rhyolite of Topaz Mountain for beautiful gemstones.
As new minerals, associations, and locations were discovered, and new information on known species were gained, updates on mineral descriptions and locations were necessary. Updated descriptions of minerals and collecting sites are included to help the reader identify and better understand the minerals and mineralogy of Topaz Mountain. This book, a revision of two earlier editions published in the 1970's, is the first of a three volume set on the Thomas Range. Volumes II and III of this series will look, in greater depth, at the geology and mineralogy of the Thomas Range. They will also include information on other collecting sites virtually untouched and unexplored by most visitors.
When it comes to topaz and Topaz Mountain, would it be foolish to believe that all of the 'good stuff ' has all ready been found ? After all, since the first time that man set foot on this sacred ground, has there not been literally millions of people that have visited this site? Haven't all of the 'obvious' treasures within this gem rich area long since been gathered up by all of the hoards of 'topazavors' that have searched each and every nook and cranny for miles in all directions? I guess the outlook for finding even the smallest of crystals looks pretty bleak doesn't it ? That being the case, then my next statement will almost surely seem even more incredible. Some of the best collecting that has ever taken place within the friendly confines of the Topaz Mountain Amphitheater probably is yet to come!!
The author has been collecting in the Thomas Range for more than 25 years; doing research on the geology and mineralogy of topaz, and the associated minerals, as well as commercially mining the minerals. Whenever the author has collected in the Amphitheater, he's always found quality specimens. In fact, the best and largest topaz found by the author in the Amphitheater (on the west wall), was just found in the Spring of 1995. Sound like bragging? Not really. Anyone can find quality specimens at Topaz Mountain.
What's the secret ? you ask. Well, it is actually quite simple: Take two parts knowledge, add one part hard labor, sprinkle gently with enthusiasm, and bake with lots of patience and perseverance and the result will be great mineral specimens and a whole lot of fun and satisfaction. Follow this recipe and you will have a truly great time finding topaz and the other treasures of Topaz Mountain. This book will endeavor to pass onto you the two parts of knowledge, but the rest of the ingredients you must supply yourself. I hope that you find this book a useful tool in discovering and exploring the Topaz Mountain area.
Features
A Field Guide of Topaz and Associated Minerals of the Thomas Range (Topaz Mountain), Utah is the most comprehensive guide for collecting at Topaz Mountain. Over 75 pages of comprehensive knowledge and beautiful photos on Topaz Mountain right from the source. Many extra hours were put in to this book to get all the information you need to discover and collect this area with success. A full color section (20 pages) of beautiful Thomas Range Mineral Specimens is included in the book taken by professional mineral photographer Jeff Scovil. If anyone is interested in the Thomas Range or just the beautiful minerals you need this LIMITED EDITION book. If you missed the first two editions, don't miss the chance again.
Please go to GAMECO for more information about the book.
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