The nickname “The Gem State” makes more sense once you learn how many places hold gemstones in Idaho, even if the terrain takes some effort to explore. The range of minerals is broad enough that collectors can stay busy across different parts of the state.

Idaho’s geology supports everything from common minerals to stones that are prized for cutting and polishing. Many of them sit in areas shaped by old volcanic activity and long-running erosion.

The search often includes rough garnet in river gravels, along with opal, topaz, colorful agate, and patterned jasper in certain regions.

Finding good pieces takes more than luck, so a bit of planning goes a long way. Learning which areas have produced consistent finds will make your time in the field far more productive.

The Gemstones Found In Idaho You Can Mine

Our state is incredibly blessed with abundant gemstones of different kinds, that’s why it’s such a dream for gem hunters to be able to visit and explore the sites here. In this article, we will share with you the best locations to look for gemstones so you can pick the perfect spots for you to visit.

Like this guide for Idaho, we also created other guides to help you find gem sites near you, wherever you are. Different states have different kinds of gemstones that can be found in different sites, so these guides will come in handy for you. With sufficient knowledge and a tinge of luck, you’ll discover why gem mining is such an experience of a lifetime!

Fluorite

Fluorite is a colorful mineral that comes in shades of purple, green, yellow, and even clear. It forms when mineral-rich water cools and chemicals combine to create solid crystals.

Fluorite is famous for its ability to glow under ultraviolet light and for having a perfect octahedral cleavage, meaning it can split into pieces with flat, eight-sided surfaces.

Its wide range of colors and fluorescence make it a favorite among mineral collectors. It is used in making jewelry and decorative items because of its beauty and vibrant colors.

Beyond its aesthetic value, fluorite is also used in the manufacturing of steel and aluminum, as well as in the production of certain types of glass and hydrofluoric acid.

Where you can find fluorite in Idaho

• Keystone Mountain
• Little Fall Creek
• Big Creek
• Salmon River Breaks

Hemimorphite

Hemimorphite is a mineral that forms from the alteration of zinc and lead deposits. It is often found lining the walls of rock cavities where it crystallizes from hydrothermal fluids.

This mineral is unique because it has different crystal forms at each end of a crystal, a characteristic referred to as hemimorphism. Hemimorphite can range in color from white to blue or green and often has a sparkling or glassy appearance.

Among the crystals found in Idaho, hemimorphite stands out for its beauty and is sought after by mineral collectors. It is also used in jewelry, where its attractive colors and luster can be displayed.

Where you can find hemimorphite in Idaho

• Blizzard Mountain
• Gilmore
• Custer County

Smithsonite

Smithsonite is a mineral that comes in a variety of colors, including blue, green, pink, and sometimes even yellow. It forms as a secondary mineral in the oxidation zone of zinc ore deposits, where zinc minerals react with carbon dioxide and water.

Smithsonite is known for its smooth, curved surfaces that resemble bubbles and for its shiny, glass-like appearance. It can also show a range of translucency, from opaque to nearly transparent.

It’s used primarily as a source of zinc, which is important in making metal alloys and galvanizing steel to prevent rust.

Besides its industrial uses, smithsonite is also valued by collectors for its aesthetic qualities and is occasionally cut into gemstones for jewelry.

Where you can find smithsonite in Idaho

• Lemhi Range
• Gilmore
• Owyhee County

Aquamarine

Aquamarine is a beautiful gemstone known for its stunning blue to greenish-blue colors. It’s part of the beryl family, which also includes emeralds.

This gemstone is formed in pegmatite rocks and often found in countries like Brazil, Nigeria, and Pakistan. The color of aquamarine comes from iron impurities within the beryl crystal.

The value of aquamarine depends on its depth of color and clarity, with deeper blue stones being the most sought after.

Jewelers use aquamarine in a variety of settings, including rings, necklaces, and earrings, because of its durability and the calming color that reminds people of the sea.

Where you can find aquamarine in Idaho

• Ardeth Lake
• Weippe
• Glens Peak area
• Ola Ridge

Diamonds

Diamonds are one of the hardest natural substances found on Earth. They are formed deep within the Earth’s mantle under extreme pressure and heat, then brought to the surface by volcanic eruptions. 

Diamonds are well-known for their incredible brilliance and unmatched hardness, making them highly valuable. These characteristics allow diamonds to be cut in various shapes to maximize their sparkle. 

People use diamonds for jewelry like rings, necklaces, and earrings because of their beauty and durability.

Beyond adornment, diamonds are also used in industrial settings for cutting, grinding, and drilling because they can cut through almost any material.

Where you can find diamonds in Idaho

• Little Goose Creek Canyon

Precious Opal

Precious opal is known for its stunning play of colors, which can include flashes of rainbow hues that change with the angle of light. It is formed from silica-rich water that seeps into the earth, filling cracks and voids, and then hardens over time.

This gemstone has a fascinating feature called “opalescence,” which is the shimmering of colors that seems to move across the stone. The colors you see in precious opal depend on the size of the silica particles within it.

People love using precious opal in jewelry because its colors can complement any outfit or occasion. It is often set in rings, necklaces, and earrings, where it catches the light and shows off its beautiful colors.

Where you can find precious opal in Idaho

• Spencer
• Enterprise
• Moscow
• Blue Grouse Opal Mine

Sapphire

Sapphire is a precious gemstone that is most commonly known for its deep blue color. It is made of a mineral called corundum and gets its colors from trace amounts of other elements, like iron and titanium. 

This gemstone is incredibly hard, making it resistant to scratches and other forms of damage. The only natural item that can scratch a sapphire is a diamond.

Sapphires are used in various types of jewelry, including rings, necklaces, and earrings, because of their beauty and durability.

They are also sometimes used in watches and scientific instruments because they can withstand high pressures and are resistant to heat.

Where you can find sapphire in Idaho

• Rhodes Creek
• Orofino Creek
• Golden Rule Placer

Star Garnet

Star garnet is a rare type of garnet that shows a star pattern on its surface when polished and viewed in direct light. It’s one of the gemstones found in Idaho, making it a special find for rock collectors and gem enthusiasts.

This gemstone gets its star effect, known as asterism, from tiny rutile needles within the stone that reflect light in a four-point or six-point star pattern.

Star garnet is so rare that Idaho and India are the only two places in the world where it can be found in significant quantities.

People use star garnet in jewelry, such as rings and pendants, to showcase its unique beauty and rarity.

Because of its distinctive look, star garnet is highly sought after by collectors and can be a prized possession for anyone interested in gemstones.

Where you can find star garnet in Idaho

• Emerald Creek Garnet Area

Topaz

Topaz is a gemstone that comes in many colors, including blue, clear, pink, and yellow. It is formed in rocks that are rich in fluorine and often found in areas with volcanic activity or in pegmatites.

This gemstone is known for its hardness, which makes it durable and resistant to scratches. Topaz can also show a beautiful sparkle and clarity, making it a favorite for jewelers.

People use topaz in jewelry like necklaces, rings, and earrings because of its range of colors and its ability to catch the light. Additionally, topaz is believed to have calming properties, leading some to use it for meditation and relaxation.

Where you can find topaz in Idaho

• Little Spangle Lake
• Upper Cramer Lake
• Glens Peak
• Redfish Lake Creek area

Tourmaline

Tourmaline is a colorful gemstone that can be found in almost every color, from clear to black, and even multicolored. It’s formed in a variety of environments, but most commonly in pegmatite, a type of igneous rock.

This gemstone is known for its ability to become electrically charged when heated or squeezed, a property known as piezoelectricity. Its wide range of colors is due to the different elements it contains, like iron, manganese, and lithium.

Tourmaline is used in jewelry because of its beauty and durability, making it perfect for everyday wear. It’s also used in some electrical devices because of its unique electrical properties.

Where you can find tourmaline in Idaho

• Little Goose Creek Canyon
• Hall Mountain
• Ola Ridge
• Hoodoo Mountains

Chalcedony

Chalcedony is a type of quartz that’s made up of very fine intergrowths of the minerals quartz and moganite. It has a waxy luster and can be found in a variety of colors, including white, blue, gray, and orange.

This mineral is formed when silica-rich water flows through rock cracks and cavities and then solidifies. Over time, the silica layers build up to form chalcedony.

Chalcedony is known for its smooth texture and durability, making it popular for use in jewelry and decorative items. It’s often carved into beads or cabochons and used in necklaces, rings, and bracelets.

Where you can find chalcedony in Idaho

• Graveyard Point
• Beacon Hill
• Rabbit Springs

Our Favorite Places For Gem Mining In Idaho

We rounded up our favorite places to gem mines here so that you can choose the one you will visit soon. We made sure to include recommendations for adults who are looking for some real gem-hunting experience and for kids who are just beginning to see the wonders of gem mining.

Emerald Creek Garnet Area

3232 West Nursery Road, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815

The Emerald Creek Garnet Area is known for its abundant deposits of star garnets that are found in a variety of colors, but the most common color is green, hence the name Emerald Creek. The area has been a popular spot for garnet mining since the late 1800s when it was discovered by prospectors searching for gold. The area became even more popular during World War II when production of industrial abrasives increased and demand for garnets increased as well.

When you visit here, you can purchase buckets filled with dirt and gravel from local vendors that contain different types of garnets including star garnets, almandine garnets, pyrope garnets, and more. You can also pan in nearby creeks or dig deeper into gravel bars. The area also offers guided tours that will teach you the history of the site, its geology, and how to identify different types of gems found there.

The Types of Gems Found In The Emerald Creek Garnet Area

This site is our favorite because it is one of the only two places in the world (India being the other one) where you can find Star Garnets.

The Best Time To Visit Emerald Creek Garnet Area

If you want to visit here, the best time is during the summer months, from June through August. During this time, the weather is warm and dry, making it easier to search for gems in the creek. The area also tends to be less crowded during these months.

Spencer Opal Mines

27 Opal Ave. Spencer ID, 83446, USA

The fields of Spencer Opal Mines were discovered in the late 1800s and have been mined for what is considered by many as some of the finest and most valuable Opals in the world, including black, crystal, fire, and white Opals. The mine has produced some of the most sought-after gems in history, including the famous “Idaho Star,” which sold at auction for over $2 million.

Today, you can search here for your own Opals that you can take home with you or ask the mines to create into beautiful jewelry.

The Types of Gems Found In The Spencer Opal Mines

This place is well-known for having different varieties of Opal, especially the high-quality Fire Opal.

The Best Time To Visit Spencer Opal Mines

The best time to visit here is during the summer months, from June to August. The weather is warm and the days are long, giving you plenty of time to explore the mines and find your own gems.

Seven Devils Mining District

Adams County, ID

Mined since the late 1800s, Seven Devils Mining District is known for its rich deposits of different kinds of gemstones. The first mines were established in the area by prospectors during a gold rush that followed reports of gold discoveries near Salmon River. By the early 1900s, mining had spread to other parts of the district as well and several large companies had set up operations. These companies built mills and tramways to transport ore between sites and built housing for their workers.

The district remains an important source for gemstones today, with many mining operations still active in search for new discoveries or reworking old ones. While much has changed since those early days, it still remains an exciting place if you’re looking for your own personal treasure trove!

The Types of Gems Found In The Seven Devils Mining District

This location has plenty of different kinds of gemstones, but most abundant of these is the Smoky Quartz.

• Epidote
• Garnet (Red, Pink)
• Malachite
• Zoisite

The Best Time To Visit Seven Devils Mining District

Planning to visit here? We recommend you do so during the summer months. This is when the weather is typically warm and dry, making it ideal for outdoor activities including gem mining. During this time, water levels are usually low enough to make it easier to search for gems in the riverbeds.

Crystal Gold Mine – Great for kids

51931 Silver Valley Road, Kellogg, ID 83837

Crystal Gold Mine was first discovered in 1885 by a prospector who quickly staked his claim to the area. After a few years of mining, he sold the mine to the Crystal Gold Mining Company. The company operated until 1941 when it was shut down due to World War II.

Since then, the mine has remained closed but has been maintained as a tourist attraction and gem mining destination. When you visit here, you can explore over 1,000 feet of underground tunnels and learn about its history as you search for precious gemstones. The mine also offers guided tours which include gem panning activities where you can sift through sand and gravel to find gems.

The Types of Gems Found In The Crystal Gold Mine

This place is great for kids since it has different kinds of gemstones, both rare and more common, that can be found in our state.

The Best Time To Visit Crystal Gold Mine

The best time to explore this place is during the summer months of June, July, and August. The weather is warm and sunny during these months, allowing for optimal gem mining conditions.

Yellowstone Gem World – Great for kids

116 N. Bridge Street St. Anthony ID 83445

Yellowstone Gem World is a family owned and operated business that has been around for over 30 years. It was established in 1985 on the Snake River, just outside of Idaho Falls. This place offers a unique gem mining experience where you can search for gemstones in their own private mining sluice.

You can also purchase gemstones from the store or have custom jewelry made from your finds. The store also offers lapidary services, including cutting and polishing gems, as well as goldsmithing and jewelry repair services. Aside from offering a chance to gem mines, this place also serves as an educational resource by offering classes on geology, mineralogy, and lapidary arts to the public.

The Types of Gems Found In The Yellowstone Gem World

There are different kinds of gemstones here, specifically the following:

• Amethyst
• Aquamarine
• Celestite
• Garnet
• Jade
• Jasper
• Moonstone
• Quartz
• Ruby
• Sunstone 

If you’re having a hard time telling some of the more common gems apart, you can use the different guides we’ve put together:

• Aquamarine vs Blue topaz

The Best Time To Visit Yellowstone Gem World

If you want to visit here, the best time would be during the summer months of June, July and August. The weather is generally warm and dry during these months, making it ideal for gem mining.

Other Great Options For Real Gem Mining in Idaho

If you’ve already been to our favorite places but are looking to still explore our state, you’re in luck because we have plenty more other great places to share with you. Below are our suggested areas where you can look for different kinds of other gemstones that our state is luckily rich in, too.

• Salmon River – Agate, Chalcedony, Jasper
• Moonlight Mine – Bornite
• Grouse Creek – Corundum, Quartz
• Bathtub Mountain – Staurolite
• Little Wood River – Agate, Chalcedony, Jasper
• Deadwood Gulch – Garnet
• Mica Mountain – Beryl, Muscovite
• Snake River – Opal
• Orofino Creek – Epidote, Sapphire
• Camas Creek – Topaz, Fire Opal
• Rhodes Creek – Zircon
• Priest Lake State Park – Feldspar, Quartz
• Blue Jacket Mine – Chabazite
• Empire Mine – Fluorite (Purple)

The Top Public Gem Mining Locations in Idaho

For families who are looking for more family-friend locations where they can expose their kids to the fun and excitement that gem hunting offers, here are some of our best recommendations that the entire family can enjoy.

• Eagle City Park – 439 Eagle Creek Road, Wallace, ID 83873
• Wallace District Mining Museum – 509 Bank St. Wallace, ID 83873
• Land of the Yankee Fork State Park – 24424 Highway 75, Challis, ID 83226
• The Gold Mine Grill and Saloon – 100 Gold Rd, Idaho City, ID 83631

Idaho Gem Mining Laws And Regulations

Idaho does not have any specific recreational gem mining laws or regulations. However, the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) regulates activities on public lands that may impact surface resources. The IDL also has regulations regarding the extraction of certain gems and minerals from public lands. These include obtaining permits and paying royalties to the state for mineral extraction. Additionally, you may need to obtain permission from private landowners before prospecting on their land.

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) also regulates activities that could potentially affect water quality or air quality, including those related to recreational gem mining operations.

For more information on the state’s gem mining laws and regulations, visit the Idaho Department of Lands and Department of Environmental Quality’s link above.

Additional Places To Mine For Gems In Nearby States

If you’ve already tried all of our recommendations above or are planning a trip out of the state you should check out our guides for neighboring states:

• Gem Mining in Montana
• Gem Mining in Nevada
• Gem Mining in Oregon
• Gem Mining in Utah
• Gem Mining in Washington
• Gem Mining in Wyoming

If you have any recommendations we haven’t covered please leave them in the comments below!