Topaz is Utah’s state gem, and tucked away in the southern end of the Thomas Range in Juab County in Utah you’ll find the best place to find them: the appropriately titled Topaz Mountain. The topaz crystals here are naturally amber in color and can be found glimmering in the washes and slopes on the south side of the mountain.

Or chip away at the volcanic rhyolite seams for the highest-quality crystals. Most of the area is public land, so all you’ll need are hiking boots, tools, and gem-collecting bags for all your finds.

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The best spots in the US to hunt for gems, crystals