Topaz Operations 2011

SPRING MINING AT TOPAZ MOUNTAIN GEM MINE

We ran two separate times during 2011 with the excavator to dig up new gravel for screening. In April, the weather was unusually dry and we were able to bring in a John Deere 160. As a result, we had some large piles of gravel during the summer for guests to rake and find some great topaz.

We have found the big machines can dig up and around the boulders in the alluvial terrace. We don't have a screening plant so a couple of us watch as the machine piles up the gravel. Occasionally we find a stone or two, but most of them remain in the piles. Later, during the summer, Carl brings in the mechanical shaker, know affectionately as the magic topaz machine, and screens the gravel piles.

Also, during the summer, I hire George Quist to remove the material that has been screened and pile it on the end of the claim. He then exposes new material in the piles so we can continue screening them and give our visitors new material to rake. This year, by the end of the season, we had screened the material we dug in the spring so decided to go for another week with the track hoe. We brought in our John Deere 690, a larger machine, and were able to move a bunch of huge boulders. Despite common belief, there are not a large number of topaz under the boulders. Most remain fairly evenly scattered throughout the alluvium.

We piled up some huge piles of gravel so feel we are ready to go for next spring. We anticipate a lot of great stones will be found.

The mine is still producing. There are not many stones. There never have been, but over time, the number of topaz has been good. Most remain cutting material with less than 2 percent being quality collectable crystals.

Enjoy the following photos. You should be able to click to enlarge each.

Opening the claim during April.		Tim found these three by spotting them from the excavator cab.
Tim enjoying what he does best.	A knife comes in handy when a topaz is spotted in the wall.	This stone is all gem and light sherry color.
Of course being April, we did run into a bit of snow. It did not keep us from working farther up the hill, trying to get under the boulders.	Even the 160 cannot move these boulders.	Checking the gravel pile for "rollers." We find a couple. Mostly, the gravel awaits processing later in the summer.
Here is a great specimen topaz.	Abe's finds from the day.	This is as far as we can go with the 160. The boulders seem to be resting on a layer of gravel and are not part of the bedrock reggolith.
Even in the snow, Carl just doesn't quit.	Stoli decides to keep us company in the snow.	Baxter says to heck with this and climbs into the car.
This represents a full week of mining. Not oodles of topaz, but a few great cutters.	About 300 carats, bi-color.	Pristine crystal about 100 carats.

During the summer we hosted numerous clubs and groups of visitors. Usually, the visits were every other Saturday. During the week, Carl and Abraham worked the piles as much as possible, coming home with some really great topaz. We sent several parcels over seas for cutting.

.

FALL MINING AT TOPAZ MOUNTAIN GEM MINE

This is the magic topaz machine which slowly gobbles up the piles of gravel, producing a few stones throughout the summer.		Piling up some good gravel for next season.
Tim hollered for me to come and inspect a stone he could see in the wall from the cab of the excavator. By the time I arrived, all the diggers were inspecting the stone.	It looks good. At least the sides that are visible seem to be in good shape. More often than not, the stones are badly abraded or have damage to the crystal faces. This one was about 18 inches under the surface.	Tim has the honors of digging it out and hands it to Abe. It is an incredible crystal.
John Rhoads taks a gander. I can tell it has to be good from the brilliance and John's grin.	Photo session. This has to be one of the finest crystals ever found.	Later we determine it weighs over 450 carats.
Abe also spots a topaz in the wall and tries to duplicate Tim's find. The stone is just a few inches from where Tim found his.	Here's what a topaz looks like when embedded in the wall. The gravel is compacted and almost cemented together so working the wall is not that easy.	Abe's is not a gem, but it has some good gemmy areas and will make a great cutter. Nevertheless, it is a great feeling to find one. Why was the one Tim found, pristine, and this one, abraded?
As far as we go for the season. You can see the depth; however, surprisingly, most of the stones are shallow. Perhaps the episodes of deposit occured sporadically.	Any food? Where's the food?	One of the piles waiting for processing. We do a quick check for any stones of size.
Autumn is on its way. This is Pilot Peak to the north of the mine.	The best finds from the fall dig.	The crew discussing next year's operations.

Be sure to check our web pages for open digs and a chance to visit.

Return to topaz index.