GarnetID
Blackbird Creek Garnet Area
Garnet-bearing mica schist outcrops in the Salmon River Mountains weather out dark red almandine crystals.
View detailsGemstones rockhounding sites in Idaho
Facetable and collector gems — emeralds, sapphires, garnets, topaz, beryl, and tourmaline localities.
17 gemstones destinations in Idaho.
Rockhounding sites in Idaho — gemstones: 17 spots in our directory. Sort live from your phone with near me, or browse all U.S. gemstones rockhounding sites and the Idaho state page.
Guides & hubs: Idaho rockhounding guide · Rockhounding near Boise — Owyhee day trips & legal digs · Gem mining near me — Spencer Opal & public digs
Gemstones collecting in Idaho
Facetable and collector gems — emeralds, sapphires, garnets, topaz, beryl, and tourmaline localities.
We currently document 17 gemstones collecting sites in Idaho. Each listing includes original descriptions, visitor notes, and last-updated dates when available.
What to know before you collect
Gemstones destinations in Idaho vary widely in access, season, and legality. Some are official recreation areas; others are informal gravel bars. Read the access and safety sections on each listing — never assume collecting is allowed without checking current signage.
For trip planning beyond this filter, browse the full Idaho state page, our guides, or use near me to sort by distance from your location.
GarnetID
Boulder Creek
Boulder Creek is a documented mineral occurrence near ID. Reported specimens include Garnet. Verify land access and collecting rules before visiting.
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Cuprum
Cuprum is a documented mineral occurrence near ID. Reported specimens include Garnet, Epidote. Verify land access and collecting rules before visiting.
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Deadwood Gulch
Deadwood Gulch is a documented mineral occurrence near ID. Reported specimens include Garnet, Gold. Verify land access and collecting rules before visiting.
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East Fork Emerald Creek
East Fork Emerald Creek is a documented mineral occurrence near ID. Reported specimens include Star Garnet. Verify land access and collecting rules before visiting.
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Emerald And Ruby Creeks
Emerald and Ruby Creeks is a documented mineral occurrence near ID. Reported specimens include Garnet. Verify land access and collecting rules before visiting.
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Emerald Creek
Emerald Creek is a documented mineral occurrence near ID. Reported specimens include Almandine Garnet. Verify land access and collecting rules before visiting.
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Emerald Creek Star Garnet Area
Idaho's official state gem, the star garnet, occurs in heavy black sands at this Forest Service permit-only collecting site.
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Finding Garnets Requires Some Work.
Finding garnets requires some work. is a documented rockhounding destination in ID. Collectors visit for gem crystals, beryl, tourmaline and related material. Access rules and land ownership vary — confirm current status with the managing agency or landowner before collecting.
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General Area (clearwater Nf)
General Area (Clearwater NF) is a documented mineral occurrence near ID. Reported specimens include Almandine Garnet. Verify land access and collecting rules before visiting.
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I Visited The Emerald Creek Garnet Area In Spring 2009.
I visited the Emerald Creek Garnet Area in Spring 2009. is a documented rockhounding destination in ID. Collectors visit for gem crystals, beryl, tourmaline and related material. Access rules and land ownership vary — confirm current status with the managing agency or landowner before collecting.
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Iron Mountain
Iron Mountain is a documented mineral occurrence near ID. Reported specimens include Yellow Garnet, Green Garnet. Verify land access and collecting rules before visiting.
View detailsDiamondID
Little Goose Creek Canyon
Little Goose Creek Canyon is a documented mineral occurrence near ID. Reported specimens include Diamond. Verify land access and collecting rules before visiting.
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Pack River
Pack River is a documented mineral occurrence near ID. Reported specimens include Garnet, Feldspar, Mica. Verify land access and collecting rules before visiting.
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Purdue & Canyon Creeks
Purdue & Canyon Creeks is a documented mineral occurrence near ID. Reported specimens include Red Garnet. Verify land access and collecting rules before visiting.
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Riggins
Riggins is a documented mineral occurrence near ID. Reported specimens include Garnet. Verify land access and collecting rules before visiting.
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Star Garnet
Star Garnet is a documented rockhounding destination in ID. Collectors visit for gem crystals, beryl, tourmaline and related material. Access rules and land ownership vary — confirm current status with the managing agency or landowner before collecting.
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