MODULE 5 Chapter 2

Shortcut to Topics Make Your Own "Gem State" Be a Rock Hound

Module 5 Chapter 2

Student Page

Idaho's Gemstones

Hi Students!

No wonder Idaho is called the "Gem State!" Seventy-two different kinds of precious and semi-precious stones have been found in Idaho. Africa is the only area in the world that has more kinds of gems than Idaho. People come from many other states to hunt for Idaho gemstones.

Idaho's State Gem is the star garnet. This beautiful stone has a four-point star when it is polished (and sometimes a six-point star). Isn't that a fitting gem for our beautiful state?

WHY NOT MAKE YOUR OWN "GEM STATE?"

You can make your own "Gem State" to use as a charm or a memento or to wear as a pin or a bolo tie. You will need the following:

1. Small pieces or chips of polished gemstones.

2. A 2-inch piece of one of the following materials: leather, masonite or plastic 1/8 inch thick, or thin smooth wood.

3. A large safety pin or bolo tie materials.

4. All-purpose quick-drying cement.

5. Lacquer or varnish.

Visit a nearby rock shop. You should be able to buy some small chips of polished Idaho gemstones (not over 1/4 inch in diameter). They are not expensive. Learn the names of the stones you buy.

Use a small outline of Idaho to cut a "Gem State" from the leather, masonite, or wood. (Use sandpaper to make the wood or masonite smooth.) Arrange your gemstones in an attractive pattern on your "Gem State." Then cement the stones into place.

To make a pin, cement the safety pin to the back of your "Gem State." To make a bolo tie, you should be able to buy the materials at the rock shop. Cement your "Gem State" to the bolo tie clasp.

You can print the outline of Idaho (below) to use as a pattern.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE A ROCK HOUND?

Many Idaho people enjoy exploring the state to hunt and collect rocks and gemstones. These people are called "rock hounds." They hunt for stones in mountains and desert, in stream beds, in road and railroad cuts, in canyons---in all kinds of places. Some of the stones they find are valuable, and others are just interesting or pretty. All are fun to hunt and collect.

No place in the world is better for rock collecting than Idaho, because Idaho has so many different kinds of rock and stone. That is why so many people come to Idaho from other states just to "rock hound." Would you believe that there are other states with almost no rocks for rock hounds to hunt? (Try to guess where these states might be.)

You might enjoy exploring and hunting for rocks and gemstones. (Do watch out for rattlesnakes!) Often you can find surprising stones near your own home or town---in stream beds, gravel pits, and cuts in hillsides. If you would like help in identifying stones, a rock shop is a friendly and helpful place to go. Most rock shop people are also full of good advice for the beginning rock hound.

Once you get started with rock collecting, you may want to polish your own stones. In that case, you will need to save your money to buy a rock polisher. Your rock shop can also give you advice on this. Perhaps you can find a used polisher at a reasonable price.

If rocks interest you, join other rock hounds. They know that collecting and polishing rocks can be an interesting and exciting hobby, and they can help you get started.

Top of page Module Menu Home Page