From the rugged Bitterroot Mountains bordering Montana to the Snake River Plains, and from the Canadian border to the Great Basin’s edge, Idaho’s diverse landscape holds hidden treasures. Among these, diamonds sparkle as a prized find for rock enthusiasts.

If you’re eager to unearth these precious gems in the Gem State, look no further. We’ve done the legwork to bring you the top spots for diamond hunting in Idaho.

Save time and energy by focusing on these carefully researched locations. Get ready to explore the best diamond-seeking grounds Idaho has to offer.

How Diamond Forms Here

Diamonds form deep within the Earth, about 90 to 200 kilometers below the surface, where conditions are extreme.

Here, carbon atoms are subjected to intense heat—around 900 to 1,300 degrees Celsius—and immense pressure, about 45 to 60 kilobars. This environment causes the carbon to crystallize into diamond structures over millions to billions of years.

Over time, erosion and weathering expose these stones, making them accessible for mining.

What’s amazing is that each diamond’s journey from deep within the Earth makes it unique, with its own shape, size, and clarity.

The Types of Diamond

Diamonds are classified into various types based on their structure and color. Here are some of the popular types of diamond:

Black Diamond

Black diamonds, also known as carbonados, are truly one-of-a-kind. Unlike their clear cousins, these stones are opaque and have a matte finish.

They don’t sparkle in the traditional sense but have a unique, mysterious charm all their own.

What makes black diamonds special is their age and formation. Most are believed to be 2.6 to 3.2 billion years old, making them some of the oldest gemstones on Earth.

Their dark color comes from numerous inclusions and the presence of graphite or other minerals.

Recently, a massive black diamond called “The Enigma” made headlines. Weighing 555.55 carats, it showcases the growing interest in these unusual stones.

Yellow Diamond

Yellow diamonds shine with a vibrant, sunny hue. Their color ranges from light yellow to deep, intense shades.

This beautiful color comes from nitrogen atoms in the diamond’s structure. These atoms absorb blue light and reflect yellow, giving the stone its unique appearance.

Unlike clear diamonds, yellow diamonds are graded based on their color intensity. The deeper and richer the yellow, the more valuable the stone. This grading system is different from the one used for colorless diamonds.

Blue Diamond

The color of the blue diamond can range from a soft, icy blue to a deep, vivid shade. This striking blue comes from boron in the diamond’s crystal structure. It’s a rare occurrence in nature, making these diamonds very uncommon.

One cool thing about blue diamonds is how they react to ultraviolet light. Many of them show a unique glow called fluorescence. This can make their color even more impressive under certain lighting.

Blue diamonds have some famous examples. The Hope Diamond is probably the most well-known. It’s known for being the largest diamond weighing 45.52 carats. It’s current value is estimated to be US$200–350 million.

Red Diamond

Red diamonds are incredibly rare and highly prized. Their distinct red color comes from structural imperfections in the diamond’s crystal lattice, not from chemical impurities like other colored diamonds.

These diamonds are so rare that very few have ever been found. Each discovery of a red diamond is a significant event in the gemstone world.

Their rarity makes them even more valuable than pink or blue diamonds, which are already considered extremely precious.

Some famous red diamonds have captured public attention. The Moussaieff Red from Brazil and the Kazanjian Red Diamond from South Africa are notable examples.

In 1987, a red diamond (Hancock Diamond) sold at auction for a record-setting $927,000, highlighting the extraordinary value placed on these rare gems.

Pink Diamond

Pink diamond’s color can be a soft, delicate pink or a deep, vivid rose. What’s interesting is that scientists aren’t entirely sure why they’re pink. It’s thought to be due to a twist in their crystal structure, not because of any specific element.

These diamonds are incredibly scarce. For every million carats of rough diamonds mined, only one carat might be a pink diamond. This rarity makes them highly prized by collectors and jewelers.

Even small pink diamonds can be worth a lot because of their rarity. They’re often used in high-end jewelry, where their unique color makes a big impact.

Green Diamond

Green diamonds are some of the most unusual and unique colored diamonds. Their color can range from a light mint to a deep forest green

What makes them special is how they get their color. It’s not from a chemical element, but from exposure to natural radiation over millions of years.

This natural coloring process is incredible. It happens when diamonds are near radioactive rocks deep in the earth. The radiation changes the diamond’s crystal structure, creating the green color.

Green diamonds often show unique light effects. Some might have a strong glow under certain lights, adding to their allure.

What Rough Diamonds Look Like

Rough diamonds can be challenging to identify. Here are a few proven techniques that will make it easier for you to identify the rough diamond:

Check for a Glassy or Waxy Luster

One of the most noticeable features of a rough diamond is its luster. Uncut diamonds often have a glassy or waxy appearance.

This is because the rough surface scatters light differently than a smooth, cut surface.

Look for an Octahedral Shape

Rough diamonds typically take on an octahedral shape, which resembles two pyramids joined at the base. This shape is a result of the diamond’s cubic crystal structure.

However, not all rough diamonds will have a perfect octahedral form, as they can be distorted or irregular due to natural forces during formation.

Assess the Density and Weight

Diamonds are known for their density and weight. A rough diamond will feel heavy for its size compared to other stones.

You can test this by holding the stone in your hand and comparing it to a known non-diamond.

Look for a Crystalline Texture

When examining a rough diamond, you may notice a distinct crystalline texture on its surface.

This is due to the diamond’s atomic structure and can help distinguish it from other minerals or synthetic stones.

A Quick Request About Collecting

Tips on where to look

Once you get to the places we have listed below there are some things you should keep in mind when you’re searching:

Look in Sedimentary Rocks

Sedimentary rocks are a great place to start. These rocks form from layers of materials that have settled over time.

Diamonds can be found in these layers. Look for areas where the rock has been worn down or eroded. This is where diamonds might be exposed.

Explore Riverbeds

Rivers are another excellent spot. Over time, water carries diamonds downstream. Look for gravel beds in rivers. These spots can hold diamonds that have been washed away from their original location.

Pay attention to bends in the river. These areas often collect heavier materials, including diamonds.

Check Old Mining Sites

Old mining sites are worth exploring. Many diamonds were left behind during past mining activities.

Look for areas where mining was done in the past. Even if the site is no longer active, it can still be a good place to find hidden gems.

Investigate Hillsides

Hillsides can also be promising. Erosion can expose diamond-bearing rocks. Look for loose soil or rock on slopes.

These areas may reveal diamonds that have been pushed to the surface over time.

Some Great Places To Start

Here are some of the top locations in Idaho to begin your search for diamonds. These spots offer great opportunities for discovering these precious gems.

Little Goose Creek Canyon

Little Goose Creek Canyon is located in the northwestern part of Idaho near New Meadows. Surrounded by the stunning Rocky Mountains, this canyon is part of the Idaho Batholith, known for its rich mineral diversity.

Historically, diamonds have been found here, with three notable discoveries made in 1913, alongside other valuable minerals like gold and topaz.

The unique geological features of the area, including the ancient igneous formations, contribute to its mineral wealth.

For those searching for gemstones, the stream beds and gravels along Little Goose Creek are prime spots. These areas often yield a variety of minerals washed down from the surrounding mountains.

Swan Falls Area

Swan Falls Area, located in the southern part of Idaho along the Snake River, is a hidden gem for rockhounds and gemstone enthusiasts.

This unincorporated community is part of the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area, known for its stunning basalt cliffs and volcanic rock formations.

While diamonds are rare, a notable 2.125-carat diamond has been found in this region, showcasing its potential for discovery.

The area’s unique geology, shaped by ancient lava flows, creates a fascinating landscape for exploration. Rockhounds can sift through the gravels and riverbanks along the Snake River, where the combination of water and erosion may reveal hidden treasures.

Rock Flat Gold Placer

Nestled in the central Idaho wilderness, the Rock Flat Gold Placer in Adams County is a unique location for diamond prospecting.

This high-elevation placer mine, situated at around 5,100 feet, is part of the Meadows Mining District and is known for its diverse array of gemstones, including rare diamonds last discovered in the 1920s.

The site’s geological features, such as the altered basaltic dike between schist and granite, contribute to the variety of minerals found here, including gold, corundum, garnet, zircon, and even platinum.

Prospectors should focus their efforts on the gravels and creeks within the placer deposit, particularly the drainage of Rock Flat Placer through the Little Goose Creek Canyon.

McCall Area

The McCall Area is located in the western part of Valley County, nestled along the southern shore of Payette Lake. This picturesque resort town is surrounded by the majestic Payette National Forest, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.

The unique geological features of McCall, shaped by ancient volcanic activity, contribute to its diverse mineral deposits. Rockhounding opportunities abound, especially along creek beds and gravel bars.

The shoreline of Payette Lake and nearby streams are ideal spots for searching for gemstones.