Known as the Gem State, Idaho boasts over 240 minerals that have been identified within its borders. The most significant one, though, is its state gem, the star garnet. Star garnets get their name from the four- or six-pointed star that appears to hover upon the surface when they are properly cut and polished. The phenomenon, known as asterism, is caused by rutile (a mineral consisting of titanium dioxide) needle formations within the stone creating a stunning optical display. These gems can only be found in only two places on earth: India and the Idaho Panhandle.
Near the scenic town of Saint Maries, the Emerald Creek Garnet Area offers anyone the chance to dig for star garnets and keep them. The site opens annually on Memorial Day weekend, attracting gem hunters from across the globe.
The first step in sourcing the star garnets from the earth is collecting gravel in buckets. Then, aided by sluice boxes, visitors use running water to sift and separate out the stones. Eventually, the distinct dark purple, sometimes crimson hue of the gems makes them easy to spot against the gray river rocks.
Each organized mining session lasts for three hours. During that total duration, visitors can go through the process as many times as they like. What makes on-site digging such a fun family activity is that finding multiple star garnets is relatively easy. You can take home as many of the gems as you can find up to a five-pound limit.
