Lindsay Ranch Guesthouses

The Llano Uplift, also known as the central mineral region, is an island of volcanic and metamorphic rock very different from the surrounding Edwards Plateau.

Containing 5,000 square miles, the uplift, restricted to Llano, Mason and adjacent counties, contains some of the oldest exposed rocks in Texas, including pink crystalline granit, schist and marble.

Geologically the region is a large dome with rolling to hilly topography. Granite exfoliation domes, the largest of which is known as Enchanted Rock, are common.  

COMANCHE CREEK 

During their Sping raids, the Comanche Indians roamed from Palo Duro Canyon to the Gulf Coast. They passed through Mason County. Many arrowheads are found.

Both the Eastern and Western branches of Comanche Creek flow through the Lindsay Ranch. You'll mainly be looking through gravel in the creek for your treasures.

FAQ

What does it cost? $15.00 per day for everyone 12 and over.  This is in addition to the price of staying in the Cabin, Manor or Townhouse. 

What do I need to bring?  Simple tools, a rake, shovel, gloves, things that you would use in your garden. We have screens if you want to use them.

Is Topaz easy to find?

No it is not easy to find.  If it was, everyone would have a lot of it. It is like looking for gold and diamonds but if you do find a topaz, you'll be very happy.

What else do I need to know?

Everyone who comes on the Lindsay Ranch is required to sign a Release of Claims and Waiver of Liability.

It says, in a whole bunch of legal words, that if anything happens to you, or to anyone, or to anything you have with you, it's not my fault and you can't sue me.

Blue topaz is the big treasure in Mason County for gem and mineral collectors. Some blue pieces have been found on the Lindsay Ranch but most have been clear stones. 

Topaz and quartz (including smoky quartz) can be found along the creeks in northern Mason County.

Most streams in the area run through the pegmatite-bearing granite where the topaz and quartz crystals were formed. 

As the erosion processes wear it down, more and more of the gems are freed and deposited in streambeds, washes and other low-lying areas.

Look at the beautiful "Lone Star" cut that Mr. Herbert Goff creates from Mason County topaz.

These sell for $65.00 a carat and can be purchased at the Lindsay Ranch or directly from Mr. Goff.

For more information, call Mr. Goff at 325-347-6486. 

The stone on the left is a 6 carat 10 1/4 mm topaz.

The topaz on the right is a 7 carat 11 mm stone.  

MORE FAQ

How do I get to the creek?

The Eastern branch of Comanche Creek is beside the Cabin.

To get to the Western branch, you have two options.

The road to the Western branch of Comanche Creek is rough and rocky and it has been described as, "An off-road adventure that you don't have to pay extra for!"

If you have a vehicle that can drive over a rough, rocky road and if you know how to drive over a rough rocky road, you can drive.

If not, come prepared to walk. 

From the parking area, it is a 10-15 minute walk through the pasture following the flagging tape in the trees marking Tombstone Trail.

We will give you a map. There are approximately 350 acres in this portion of the ranch.

The road is slippery when wet and you might get stuck. If you do, or if you have other vehicle problems, the phone number for wrecker service is: 325-347-4040.

Still have questions? Please contact us anytime! We look forward to hearing from you. dhl4668@yahoo.com or call 325-347-4052.