MAP: Idaho’s Rockhounding Destination For Rare Star Garnets

You're probably already aware that Idaho is home to several dozen precious and semi-precious gemstones. One type found in the Gem State is so rare that Idahoans would have to travel nearly 8,000 miles to the only other site on Earth where it's known to exist.

While it is possible that Idaho's rarest gem can be found in the central and southern parts of the state due to the presence of iron, aluminum silicates, there's only one location that has proven to produce the stone.

Rockhounders seeking the rare Idaho star garnet should set a course for Benewah County.

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The Star Garnet Is Known To Only Exist In Abundance In Northern Idaho And India

Star garnets form when light and pressure act on titanium oxide and iron silicates, according to Idaho Uncovered. The most desired of all garnets is the Tsavorite, due to its scarcity and hardness, according to Geology Science.

READ MORE: MAP: Hotspots To Find Opals, Agates In Southern Idaho

Saint Joe National Forest in northern Idaho extends into multiple counties, but it's at the Emerald Creek garnet site where these incredibly rare gems are routinely dug up, according to Visit Idaho. Larger-sized star garnets can fetch a pretty penny in the gem community.

The Emerald Creek site is located west of the community of Clarkia, Idaho, and approximately 40 miles outside Moscow.

If you're considering driving to the site from the Magic Valley, you'll need a few days off from work to complete the journey of roughly 900 miles round-trip.