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Mineral Specimens, Gems, Jewelry & Gifts

Star Garnet Gemstones


Big Changes:
http://www.fs.fed.us/ipnf/rec/activities/garnets/
Please call ahead in 2006 The opeaning date
may be delayed (208) 245-2531 or Clarkia (208) 245-1134

In order to address water quality, aquatic habitat, and safety concerns, the Forest Service is converting to a new method for gemstone collecting. Visitors will take garnet-bearing gravels from a stockpile to one of the two sluices where they will wash and screen the gravels for garnets. While visitors will no longer be digging for garnets, the new method will still allow people to enjoy the thrill of discovery.

Star garnets come from Emerald Creek, Idaho and a few other lesser Idaho locations. India was once considered the only other existence of Star Garnet. There are a couple of other US states
with rare occurrences of Star Garnet. New to the market are some reportedly brownish
red stars from Russia.

The Star phenomenon comes from tiny rods of rutile in the garnet. Which are arranged along the crystal planes of the stone. They come both in 4 & 6 ray Stars

There is not much garnet of this quality left In Idaho or India either. There is rumor of a
Forest Service closure. If new sources are not found . Fortunately we have access to some
old material that should last us for awhile.

Most of the Garnets in Idaho are of the Almandine variety. It is suspected that some of our deep read facet Garnets, may have some Pyrope mixed in. The facet grade Garnets come in a wide range of colors from deep red, reddish orange to the wonderful pinks and purples

STAR GARNET - THE IDAHO STATE GEM STONE
Idaho and India are the two places in the world where
Star Garnets are found. The 12-sided (dodecahedron)
crystals range in size from sand particles to golf-ball or
larger size and are often found with four or six-ray stars.
Gem quality faceting material is also found.

WHERE IS IT?
From St. Maries, Idaho, follow Highway 3 south 24 miles to
Road 447. Proceed southwest 8 miles on Road 447 to the
parking area. Permits, information, and digging areas are a
1/2 mile hike up 281 Gulch.

SEASON AND HOURS
The digging season opens the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend
and closes the Tuesday following Labor Day. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Friday through Tuesday. Closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

HOW DOES ONE GET A PERMIT?
Permits are available at the A-frame building at the digging site.
The cost is $10.00 for adults, $5.00 for children age 12 or under,
and is valid for one day. A permit is required for anyone digging,
screening or washing gavels.

A permit allows you to dig in designated areas only! You may take
up to five pounds of garnets with your daily permit. If you want to
remove more garnet during the same day, you can buy another
permit for each additional five pounds or fraction thereof that is
removed. You are limited to sixpermits or 30 pounds of garnet
per year.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?
We recommend you allow at least four hours at the site.
Many families like to bring their lunch and make it an all-day
outing at the Garnet Area. Some rockhounds like to return
several days in a row.

WHAT EQUIPMENT DOES ONE NEED?
You should bring: Rubber boots, waders, or old tennis shoes
Change of clothes - garnet digging is wet, muddy work!

Drinking water, snacks, and/or lunch - Change of clothes - Sunscreen
and a Container for the garnets

(buckets, shovels, and special screen boxes are provided)

WHAT FACILITIES ARE AVAILABLE?
At the parking lot: Information sign, directions, and restroom At the
administration building: Permit sales, displays, assistance for garnet
diggers and restroom. Forest Service personnel are available to provide:
visitor information, permit sales, and enforcement of regulations.

WHAT ACCOMMODATIONS ARE AVAILABLE?
Emerald Creek Campground is 2 miles east of the Garnet area. Fee is $6.00
per night per unit. Clarkia Guest Bunkhouse near Clarkia, Idaho (6 miles).
Closest commercial lodging is in St. Maries, Idaho (30 miles). Food, gas, and
other supplies are available in Clarkia (6 miles), Fernwood (12 miles), and
Emida (25 miles). Laundromats in Fernwood and St. Maries. The nearest safe
drinking water is in the Emerald Creek Campground. GUIDELINES Pets are
allowed when restrained by a leash. Motorized equipment is not allowed in
digging areas.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
St. Joe Ranger District PO Box 407 St. Maries, Idaho 83861 (208) 245-2531

Website: http://www.fs.fed.us/ipnf/rec/activities/garnets/