Idaho Rock Collection Knowledge

Idaho Rock Collection Candy Celebrating Idaho's Legendary Rocks & Minerals 

Did you know that your rock collection at Taste of the Rockies correlates to rocks and minerals found around Idaho??? 

Meet Idaho’s Amazing Gems!

 

IDAHO GARNET (Dark Red Candy)- Idaho’s official state gem is the star garnet, a deep red or purple stone found near Emerald Creek. When polished just right, tiny minerals inside can reflect a four- or six-pointed star! Idaho and India are the only two places where these special garnets are found in quantity. Idaho Secretary of State⁠

IDAHO JASPER (Salmon-Pink and Tan Speckled Candy)-Jasper is a hard, colorful member of the quartz family. Idaho is famous for jasper from the Bruneau and Willow Creek areas, where silica filled cracks and pockets in ancient volcanic rock. Its spots, swirls, and bands can look like tiny landscapes painted by nature. Idaho Geological Survey⁠

IDAHO OPAL (Round White Candy)- Near Spencer, rainwater once seeped into cracks and bubbles in ancient volcanic rock, carrying dissolved silica. Layer by layer, the silica hardened into opal. Many pieces are milky white, while precious opal can flash rainbow colors as it moves in the light. Minerals research paper⁠

SMOKY QUARTZ (Black Candy)- Smoky quartz begins as clear quartz, but natural forces inside the surrounding rock slowly turn it smoky gray, brown or nearly black. These dark crystals have been found in Idaho’s mountains, including the Sawtooth region. The black candy represents the darkest smoky quartz. Idaho Geological Survey⁠