Search For This Coveted, Colorful, Sparkling Idaho Mineral

When it comes to digging for minerals and stones, Idaho offers a bevy of semi-precious and precious finds that are resting in dirt and clay pockets near state rivers, desert canyons, and jagged mountain peaks.

Rockhounders planning to head out this weekend in southern Idaho will need to remember to take supplies to combat the extreme heat that is predicted, which includes near triple-digit conditions Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. A sun shade, bottled water, and sunscreen would be smart to pack in such conditions.

From the southwestern desert to the central mountains of Custer County and north to the rivers in Clearwater County, there's a highly renowned mineral that exists that is used in a number of different ways including jewelry making, but it might take some difficult work to expose it. Even seasoned gem hunters will be tested while in search of the all-purpose zircon mineral.

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Zircon Is A Highly Desired Mineral Used In Jewelry And Ceramics Found Throughout Idaho

Used primarily in steel and glass making, as well as ceramics, zircon is so widely sought due to its hardness, according to rockhoundhr.com. The closest to the Magic Valley you'll have a chance to find the mineral is said to be in the Owyhee Desert, which spans multiple states and is about a two-hour drive west from cities such as Twin Falls.

The mineral is said to be present mainly in microscopic amounts outside remote communities such as Oreana. Those in pursuit of zircon will have better luck finding it in larger amounts in central and northern Idaho, according to information I read online.