Where are star garnets found in Idaho?
“There are only two places in the world you can find Star Garnets – India and right here on the Idaho Panhandle National Forests!” The Emerald Creek Garnet Area, an area managed by the U.S. Forest Service, is a popular recreation site open to the public for the purpose of searching for star garnets.
Where are the gems in Idaho?
Rockhounding
| GEMSTONE OR ROCK NAME | COUNTY | LOCATION |
|---|---|---|
| GEM | Lava beds of Squaw Butte, Emmett area, and Black Canyon Dam | |
| LATAH | 5 miles south of Forney on Opal Creek | |
| OWYHEE | Near Givens Hot Springs, Oreana and on the west side of Squaw Creek | |
| OPAL – BANDED | CUSTER | 3 miles west of Challis |
Are star garnets rare?
Star Garnets are rare gemstone than Star Rubies or Star Sapphires and are only found in Idaho (northwest region of US) and India. Generally, the Idaho Star Garnet has four rays but occasionally some have 6 rays in Sapphires.
How do you identify a star garnet?
Most star garnets look blackish red or dark purplish red. Bright red star garnets are said to cost more than good star rubies! The majority of star garnets from Idaho are very dark, almost black until they are viewed in direct sunlight or strong bulb light where you can see their deep purple color.
How are star garnets formed?
The “star” formation is created by diffracted light hitting trace minerals within the stone. The stone must be cut a very specific way for this to be revealed, but when it happens you will find a brilliant pattern that has an almost 3D effect when you move it around in the light.
Where can I dig for garnets?
Garnet Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
- Hiddenite, North Carolina.
- Murfreesboro, Arkansas.
- Spruce Pine, North Carolina.
- Franklin, North Carolina.
- Philipsburg, Montana.
- Amelia, Virginia.
- Virgin Valley, Nevada.
- Denio, Nevada.
Can Turquoise be found in Idaho?
What Rocks and Crystal Can You Find in Idaho? Idaho certainly has a variety of rocks, crystals, and gemstones that would interest any rockhound. From diamonds, rubies, emeralds, gold, sapphires to geodes, topaz, turquoise, opals, obsidian, amethyst, agates, jades, jasper, garnets, quartz crystals, and petrified wood.
What does a raw Star Garnet look like?
Star garnet gemstones are usually opaque and deep brownish-red or reddish-black. Like all star gems, the star effect is caused by inclusions of rutile.