Department of
Land Transfer Info
SWISS TOPAZ Mine
20 Acre Unpatented Placer Mining Claim on Federal Land in Juab County, Utah
Topaz Mountain is a summit in the Thomas Range of Utah, east of the Thomas caldera. The summit and surrounding area is known for its relative abundance of semiprecious minerals including topaz, red beryl and opal Topaz is a mineral that is formed as fluorine-rich vapors rise from cooling lava flows or intrusions of magma. That is the origin of the crystals found at Topaz Mountain in Utah. |
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The crystals formed within cavities of the Topaz Mountain Rhyolit, a volcanic rock which erupted approximately six to seven million years ago (Tertiary Period) from volcanic vents along faults in the area. Clear Topaz can be seen glittering in the sunlight all over the ground. Washes are a great place to find clear Topaz. But if you're looking to find the more sought after amber colored Topaz you will have to do a little work. You want to search for bushes or any other kind of vegetation growing out of the cracks in the Rhyolite, this is a sign of weakness in the rock, and is usually a great location to find Topaz. Probe these areas with your screwdriver to find soft spots that may lead you to a pocket containing amber colored Topaz. Topaz is a semiprecious gemstone that occurs as very hard, transparent crystals in a variety of colors. Topaz crystals, such as those found at Topaz Mountain, are naturally amber colored, but become colorless after exposure to sunlight. Topaz forms within cavities of the volcanic rock, rhyolite, from eruptions that occurred six to seven million years ago during the Tertiary Period. Topaz is embedded in the rhyolite rock, and also found loose on the slopes and arroyos Topaz occurs in a variety of colors. Colorado topaz is usually pale blue, while Utah topaz is a sherry brown or amber color. Utah topaz is light sensitive and, if left exposed to strong sunlight, rapidly fades until the color is gone and the crystal is clear. Topaz Mountain, located in the Thomas Range of Juab County, is one of the world's premiere spots for finding topaz. The topaz crystals at Topaz Mountain are naturally amber colored, but become colorless after exposure to sunlight. The crystals formed within cavities of the Topaz Mountain Rhyolite, a volcanic rock which erupted approximately six to seven million years ago (Tertiary Period) from volcanic vents along faults in the area. Single colorless topaz crystals can be found in the washes around Topaz Mountain. Crystals are usually less than an inch long. Larger amber crystals or clusters of topaz and other minerals can be found by breaking open the white rhyolite to find cavities. Topaz Mountain is located on the southern end of the Thomas Range. This range is very popular to rock collecting enthusiasts. Topaz, Utah's state gem; is a semiprecious gemstone that occurs as very hard transparent crystals in a variety of colors. The Topaz crystals at Topaz Mountain are naturally amber colored, but become colorless after exposed to sunlight. |
(This sample was found on a nearby claim) |
Buyer will receive the following with their completed transaction:
- Quitclaim deed showing full ownership of the claim. This will be stamped, recorded and verified with the County and the BLM offices.
- Welcome packet with all of the rules and regulations as they relate to the State and BLM where the claim is located.
- Educational documents to annually renew your mining claim with the BLM.
- A CD of all of the documented images of the claim including maps of the site.
- Map of claim marked and GPS coordinates.
- Multiple maps showing claim location and surrounding areas for access.
There are several areas within Topaz mountain available for easy collecting of clear Topaz, you may also chance upon small amber colored Topaz. Our team actually found a few small amber colored Topaz as well as the clear Topaz. |
Come to Hike, Camp, Ride and Shoot - or come to pull some shiny rock$ out of the ground;-)
Camping:
Antelope Valley RV Park – 36.4 miles
Yuba State Park – 66.2 miles
Jones High Country RV Camp – 66.56 miles
Chicken Creek Campground – 71.05 miles
Big Mountain Campground – 72.10 miles
Cottonwood Campground – 72.7 miles
As the largest company in the mining industry selling legitimate and valuable historic claims, you can rest assured that you are not only covered with our 100% lifetime money-back guarantee, but you can also rest easy that there is no fine print on any of our claim auctions telling you will have to deal with any games like being charged phony fees or having to pay inflated “processing” or “transfer” fees. The final auction price for this mine when the auction ends is ALL you will pay.
Here are some tools that you should bring: rock hammer, or regular hammer, screw driver, bags for your gems, hiking boots, hat, sun screen, bug repellant and once again don't forget the water! Jeans are also a good idea because you will be spending most of your time on your knees, and the rocks are very ruff and jagged. Topaz Mountain is fun for everyone, from the beginner to the novice. As you enter the Topaz bowl you will find plenty of camping. The lower hills are surrounded by acres of flats so the trailer is no problem. However, for those that choose to tent it, you can pull right up into the heart of the bowl and throw a tent almost anywhere. There is no water for miles so be sure and come prepared, also the road back into the bowl gets pretty rutted, and rocky so if you are pulling a trailer I definitely recommend camping in the lower hills, and you can drive the short distance to the collecting sites. There are also hundreds of miles of roads and trails around Topaz mountain perfect for your ATV's. ATV's also make it easy to access some of the rougher roads and get you back into prime collecting locations. |   |
ABOUT THE MINING DISTRICT
Some of the earliest mining in the state took place within this county. The "heyday" of the Juab County mining ran from 1870 to the 1920's. Some $40 Million or more in mineral wealth being taken from the various underground workings. Silver, gold, copper, lead, and zinc made up the bulk of those values but other minerals contributed to the number as well.
Juab County is located in west central Utah, and is home to a number of mining districts, including the largest and most productive the Tintic District. Total area of the county is 3,412 square miles. The county seat is Nephi, and the terrain runs from sage covered deserts to tree covered mountain peaks. Mining began with the discovery of precious metals in 1869 and continues to this day, though at a much smaller level.
Closest Cities/Places Nearby:
Black Rock Pony Express Station – 16 miles
Dugway Geode Beds – 13.74 miles
Sutherland – 32.06 miles
Dugway Proving Ground – 34.42 miles
Hinckley – 34.25 miles
Delta – 36.03 miles
Lynndyl – 39.57 miles
Sevier Lake – 41.29 miles
Climate
The average temperature of Juab County is 50.04°F, which is about the same as the Utah average temperature of 49.55°F and is lower than the national average temperature of 54.45°F.
Juab County, Utah, gets 16 inches of rain per year. The US average is 37. Snowfall is 69 inches. The average US city gets 25 inches of snow per year. The number of days with any measurable precipitation is 82. On average, there are 226 sunny days per year in Juab County, Utah. The July high is around 91 degrees. The January low is 17. Our comfort index, which is based on humidity during the hot months, is a 65 out of 100, where higher is more comfortable. The US average on the comfort index is 44.
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GEOGRAPHY Juab County’s elevations range from 4,285 feet at Fish Springs in west Juab County to Ibapah Peak of the Deep Creek Range which stands at 12, 087 feet, in the west desert near the Nevada border. Mt. Nebo, in the Wasatch Mountain Range, reaches 11,928 feet in east Juab County. The two mountain peaks are jointed by Rich green valleys containing fertile farmlands and vast desert lands with acres of free moving sand dunes. Juab County is a part of the Basin and Range physiographic province. Most of the fertile farming land in the county is located in the Juab Valley near Nephi at the base of Mount Nebo (11,877 feet). The western portion of the county consists of broad, semi-arid valleys and low desert mountains. The Wasatch Mountains are located to the east, and moving west there are the East Tintic Range, West Tintic Range, Thomas Range (Topaz Mountain 7,113 feet), Fish Springs Range, and the southern tip of the Deep Creek Range in the extreme northwest corner of the county. |
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History
On the other side of the mountain, another large discovery was made. The extent of the mother load was so large, it was named Mammoth, and a city grew there also. The history of Juab County changed forever in 1869. Eureka! Suddenly the word gold was on everyone's lips. Large gold nuggets were found in the Tintic Mountains, and hundreds moved in to stake their claims. By 1870 the tent city was called Eureka. Sunshine Mine, with its mother load of rich ore, produced millions of dollars in gold, silver. Lead and other metals. Today you can relive the past by visiting the places where gold was king. Start at the Tintic Mining Museum in the town of Eureka. You can view old mining equipment and get info about areas you may want to visit. The bulk of mining activity was centered in the eastern portions of the county as transportation costs from the more remote western locations made mining of lesser grade ores |  |
ACCESS
From Nephi, Utah, travel 33 miles southwest on State Highway 132 to Lynndyl. Turn south on U.S. Highway 6 and drive for approximately 5 miles. Turn west on the Brush Wellman road and travel 38 miles until you reach the Topaz Mountain sign. Turn north on the dirt road and drive about 2 miles, then turn west toward Topaz Mountain.
The main road leading you to the claims is UT-174. This is a paved road and it takes you almost right to the claim. Once you reach the dirt road that takes you the rest of way, you will have a very easy drive. No need for a big four-wheel drive, 2-wheel will be just fine. There are few turnouts around the claim, which makes for easy access for parking a small trailer or camper; as well as being able to go back and forth between working and grabbing tools.
NOTE that if you own fewer than 10 claims nationwide, we can assist you in filing the paperwork to waive the maintenance fee every year. That means you will only pay $15 per year for your maintenance fee instead of $165.
We guarantee that all past fees have been paid in full and there are no outstanding debts or amounts owed on the claim prior to the transfer of ownership into your name.
How do Transfers of Ownership in Mining Claims work if I decide to sell my claim in the future?
First, we handle all the paperwork and costs associated with transferring this claim into your name should you win this auction. But if you decide to sell this claim at some point in the future, interest in a properly recorded mining claim or site may be transferred (i.e sold) in part or its entirety. A quitclaim deed or recordable conveyance document is required and if you do sell your claim someday and the transfer documents should be filed within 60 days after the transfer.
We can and will help you with the paperwork for no cost should you need a hand selling your claim in the future if you pay all of the County, State and Federal fees (usually less than $40 to $60).
But again - with regard to transferring this claim initially into your name, we take care of all the paperwork at our expense. You do not have to worry about anything. we handle the BLM transfer documentation and the county recording.
Can you build / camp on your claim?
Without an approved plan of operations, you have the same rights and restrictions as the public. If the area is open to camping to the public, then it is permissible. However, you need to check with the BLM Field Office or the local District Ranger for areas open to camping. Under Federal law in order to occupy the public lands under the mining laws for more than 14 calendar days in any 90 day period, a claimant must be involved in certain activities that (a) are reasonably incident; (b) constitute substantially regular work; (c) are reasonably calculated to lead to the extraction and beneficiation of minerals; (d) involve observable on-the-ground activity that can be verified; and (e) use appropriate equipment that is presently operable, subject to the need for reasonable assembly, maintenance, repair or fabrication of replacement parts. All five of these requirements must be met for occupancy to be permissible.
Although it is possible to build a permanent structure on a mining claim, it is extremely expensive and you will have to jump through way too many hoops to consider it easy to do. It would have to be in support of a commercial, year-round mining operation for starters, and you would need to post a large reclamation bond to insure that if you ever abandoned your claim, the bond would pay for the removal of the structure and the reclamation or the area. So in short, it is technically possible to build on your mining claim, but just be aware that it is very difficult and expensive to do - however, camping is almost always involved unless your claim is in a wilderness area, which is not very common at all.
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In addition to handling all of the paperwork to transfer this claim into your name, as well as paying all of the fees so you do not have any costs other than the final price, we also pay all of the costs associated with mailing the paperwork to you as well as to the County and Federal Government for recording and sending you back certified copies.
We will ship you a folder with all paperwork, claim coordinates, maps and information on your claim, including a CD-Rom with all of the pictures of your claim upon your payment in full clearing. We ship everything to you the same business day (if payment is received by 1:00 PM Pacific Standard Time) - and we will always provide you with the tracking information so you are always informed.
You initial claim packet that we mail has an unrecorded deed so that you can show ownership immediately after payment and be able to visit your claim. A second original deed goes to the County for recording the same day, and a third original deed goes to the BLM for certification as well. Both of those originals will be returned to you so you will wind up with several original deeds - but the County and BLM deeds can take 3 to 6 weeks to be returned to you, which is why we send you the initial original on day one.
Your payment of this eBay item in full gives you 100% ownership of this entire claim, with no other fees and/or other costs for the transfer of ownership required. This is NOT for the down payment, this is NOT a partnership arrangement where someone else will own part of the claim with you, and there are NO other fees or costs for the transfer of this claim in your name.
eBay does not allow checkout on the eBay website for any Real Estate transactions - simply because it is not like selling a widget - the transfer of real estate is complicated and requires notary work, licensed professionals and recording. Note that this is eBay’s rules and not ours and it is the same for any mining claim seller on eBay
We also are not able to accept PayPal payments for mining claims, as claims are real estate and PayPal does not allow payments to be made on any real estate items, including single family homes, condos, mining claim or land purchases. We DO accept just about every other kind of payment method you can think of: Personal Checks, Business Checks, Cashier's Checks, Money Orders, Bank Wires, ACH payments, Direct Bank Deposit at any Bank of America Branch, Gold or Silver Bullion (at the day’s SPOT prices), etc. After the auction close, we will send you a secure link to handle the payment safely online if you prefer, and we can also take care of payment by mail or telephone, as we are a traditional Brick and Mortar business - so whichever method you prefer is perfectly fine with us.
We provide financing plans with no interest or fees. Financing terms are minimum of $500 down with the balance will due within 90-days via three equal monthly payments of the remaining balance after the down payment has been paid.
With all financing plans, we do not transfer the final deed into your name until the claim has been paid in full. In the event of a default on a payment plan, we do not refund your down payment - however, we do allow you to put that down payment towards any other purchase as a store credit in full. If you are financing a climate and there is less than 90 days until September 1st (i.e. from June 1st through September 1st), when the annual fee for mining claims is due to the Federal Government, we will add the $165 maintenance fee to your down payment and pay it to the BLM on your behalf thereby increasing your down payment to $665 instead of $500 - however, the $165 portion of the down payment does not go towards your principle balance since it is used to pay the annual fees to the government, therefore the actual down payment credit will still be $500.
Approval for financing is automatic as long as you have a valid eBay account in good standing.