Idaho gemstones

Sawtooth aquamarine in the collection

Aquamarine is the blue to greenish-blue member of the beryl family, which also includes emerald and red beryl. Its six-sided crystals make an appealing companion to the other forms and colors of beryl.

Our American beryl on matrix set pairs Idaho aquamarine with Utah red beryl, North Carolina emerald, and Connecticut heliodor. “On matrix” means the crystals remain attached to their surrounding rock. Together, they show how much variety one mineral family can offer.

Star garnet: Idaho’s state gemstone

Deep plum and purple tones give Idaho star garnet its distinctive character. Fine rutile inclusions create the star effect, usually with four rays and sometimes six. A rounded, polished cabochon invites you to turn the stone and watch that star appear in the light.

Spencer opal and its play-of-color

Spencer opal formed as silica-rich water deposited layers inside cavities in volcanic rock. Those thin layers can produce bright flashes of color.

You may encounter solid opal, doublets, or triplets. A doublet joins a slice of opal to a backing; a triplet adds a clear cap. Each presents the opal differently, so ask how a piece is constructed and follow the care instructions for that construction.

Choosing an Idaho gemstone gift

A stone connected to a favorite state can be a personal birthday, anniversary, or holiday gift. For someone who enjoys geology, a natural aquamarine crystal or a set comparing several beryls gives them plenty to explore.

The star garnet and opal above are part of Idaho’s wider gem story. Our selection changes; visit Etsy to see which Idaho pieces are currently available. For a specimen, keep its locality label and ask for care advice that accounts for the crystal and the rock around it.