78S30682 MMS-D

By:  Hilderbran                                                 H.C.R. No. 30 



CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
	WHEREAS, The blue topaz, the official State Gem of Texas, is 
found within Texas only in Mason County, in the Llano uplift area; 
and
	WHEREAS, Topaz, which can occur in many colors, was first 
identified in Mason County in 1904; in the past, area residents 
reportedly came across topaz crystals so sizeable that they could 
be used as doorstops; and
	WHEREAS, The largest known gem-quality topaz ever found in 
North America was a pale blue topaz discovered in Mason County; 
weighing 1,296 grams, the stone is now housed at the Smithsonian 
Institution; and
	WHEREAS, Ranking third in hardness among the minerals, after 
diamonds and corundum, topaz has been used in amulets and jewelry 
for thousands of years; because of its size, color, and clarity, 
Texas topaz is considered to be among the best in the United States; 
and
	WHEREAS, Today, the opportunity to hunt for topaz draws a 
number of tourists to Mason County, while the sale of topaz 
gemstones further contributes to the local economy; and
	WHEREAS, Topaz constitutes an important part of Mason 
County's historical and cultural heritage, and it is fitting that 
the association between topaz and Mason County be appropriately 
recognized; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the 78th Legislature of the State of Texas, 
3rd Called Session, hereby designate Mason County as the official 
Topaz Capital of Texas.