The only known area that produces jade in Idaho is at Bitch Creek north of Tetonia in Fremont County. It is said that this jade can be quite dark and difficult to identify. It is easily confused with other minerals like jaspers and agates. There are considerably more jade that can be found in Washington and Wyoming.
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What gemstones can be found in Idaho?
The most important gems produced to date have been garnet and opal. Notable amounts of jade, topaz, zircon, and tourmaline have also been found in Idaho. Agate, jasper, and petrified wood in many colors and patterns have been found and produced from small deposits in many parts of the state.
What is the rarest gem in Idaho?
star garnet
Well, our state is one of the largest producers of precious gems in the country. But the most unique gem — which happens to be our designated “state gem” — is the star garnet. This rare gem is only found in two places in the entire world: Idaho and India.
Where is jade Found in the US?
Jade: – This gemstone can be found in both California and Wyoming. Wyoming in the mid 1930’s was named the Jade State.
What minerals are found in Idaho?
Idaho leads in the production of pumice/pumicite; is a major producer of garnet, feldspar, lead, molybdenum, perlite, phosphate, silver, zeolites, and zinc; and also produces aggregates, cement, copper, dimension stone, lime, and gemstones.
Where can I dig for gems in Idaho?
Rockhounding
| GEMSTONE OR ROCK NAME | COUNTY | LOCATION |
|---|---|---|
| CRYSTALS – QUARTZ | CUSTER | Near Bayhorse and in Yankee Fork Mining District |
| BENEWAH | Crystal Peak northeast of Fernwood | |
| IDAHO | McKinley Gulch in Slate Creek and Ruby Meadows | |
| OWYHEE | Long Gulch south of Silver City |
Where can I find cool rocks in Idaho?
While it is true that you can find interesting rocks and minerals almost anywhere in Idaho, it is certainly helpful to know exactly where to look. The best places to rockhound in Idaho are in streams and river gravels, particularly in the Clearwater and Salmon Rivers.
Are there Opals in Idaho?
In Idaho, Opal is the second largest contributor to the total value of gem material produced. The varieties produced include precious (white and pink), yellow, blue, pink, and common. The Spencer Opal Mine, the largest privately owned gem stone producer in the State, is the major producer of Opal.
Are there rubies in Idaho?
Rubies are rare no matter where you are, and when it comes o Idaho, you might find them in Adams County. You have to go to the New Meadows, in the Rock Flat area. Some rubies have been found in Valley County as well.
Are diamonds found in Idaho?
Idaho is rich in industrial minerals.Agates, jade, opal, garnet (pink, green, and red), and diamonds-to name a few-have all been found in Idaho. It is believed the biggest diamond ever found in the United States – weighing nineteen and one-half carats – was found between McCall and New Meadows.
How can you tell if it’s real jade?
Real jade has a beautiful soft clinking sound, unlike the heavier chime of glass or the hollow sound of plastic. Jade is very dense and is often heavier than other gemstones of the same size. This test is more effective if you have a piece of genuine jade on hand.
What rock is jade found in?
metamorphic rocks
Jadeite and nephrite are minerals that form through metamorphism. They are mostly found in metamorphic rocks associated with subduction zones.
Which color of jade is most valuable?
green
Jadeite comes in a wide range of colors. The most valuable is an intense green called Imperial.
What is the Idaho State Fruit?
huckleberry
State Fruit
Several huckleberry species are native to Idaho, all belonging to genus Vaccinium section Myrtillus. The most common and popular is the black or thin-leaved huckleberry (Vaccinium membranaceum). Plants grow slowly, taking up to 15 years to reach full maturity.
What is Idaho known for?
potatoes
Idaho is as well known for its potatoes, trout and precious stones as it is for its unspoiled, rugged landscapes.
Where can I find obsidian in Idaho?
Big Southern Butte, Idaho
What is this? There are many obsidian deposits across the southern part of Idaho, such as Jordan Creek, Kelly Canyon, and American Falls.
Is it legal to collect rocks in Idaho?
Collecting is not specifically prohibited or restricted. Your collecting activities result in no more than minor disturbance of the public lands. Equipment is limited to hand tools and metal detectors.
Are there geodes in Idaho?
Geodes congregate in “beds,” and most will be found in the rocky, desert areas of Idaho. Search the ground for round, lumpy rocks. Distinguish them from other rocks by their shape and by weight.
Where in Idaho are diamonds found?
Diamonds in Idaho…
The biggest diamond ever found in the U.S. was found between McCall and New Meadows.
What is the Idaho State gem?
Star Garnet
One fabulous exception to this limited availability is the official state gem, the “Star Garnet,” a beautiful stone found in some abundance only in Idaho and India. Look for your very own 4-ray or 6-ray star garnet at the Emerald Creek garnet area in northern Idaho operated by the U.S. Forest Service.
What kind of rock is in Idaho?
Most of the large bodies of plutonic rocks in Idaho have typical granitic texture and composition. Potassium feldspar and plagioclase feldspar make up most of the rock, though quartz may represent up to 25 percent of the bulk composition. The black minerals are commonly hornblende and biotite mica.
