A diversity of gems from idaho. Idaho s nickname is the gem state it has a long history of producing a variety of gem materials 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. Since idaho has been nicknamed the gem state it should be of no surprise that there are a wide variety of interesting gems in the fertile soil of the state. Idaho gemstone deposits although idaho has a variety of gem mineral deposits including rock crystal and amethyst jasper chalcedony agate agatized wood opal garnet aquamarine topaz and zircon only a few of the nationally significant idaho deposits are discussed in this module. Agate jasper and petrified wood in many colors and patterns have been found and produced from small deposits.
The only other location on the planet which has a greater variety of gems is africa. Idaho s state gem is the star garnet. Idaho s nickname is the gem state originally suggested as the name for the land that became the state of colorado the name idaho was used for a steamship that traveled the columbia river. Idaho gems can be found throughout the state particularly in mining sites and stream beds. The only other location on the planet which has a greater variety of gems is africa.
Idaho gems can be found throughout the state particularly in mining sites and stream beds. A diversity of gems from idaho.
