Pack Your Rock Hammer And Head Here To Find Idaho Rubies

We still have a couple of weeks of summer to go in the Gem State, and with temperatures already cooling down now is a great time to spend a weekend north of Boise near one of the state's best spots to dig up rubies and other stones.

Labor Day is coming. If you have extra time off for the year's final three-day weekend, you might consider rockhounding before the weather changes. Idaho has a bounty of semi-precious and precious stones just waiting to be discovered. Rubies are one of four precious stones in the world (diamonds, sapphires, emeralds), and it's well known in the gem community that one of the state's best spots to locate them is approximately 115 miles northwest of Boise.

Remember, mines are private property and you should never trespass while seeking stones.

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Rubies are made up of primarily Corundum, according to ga.gov.au. It's an aluminum oxide that forms through the combination of pressure and temperature. Rubies are one of the prettiest stones on Earth, and northwest of McCall is a reported hot spot for them.

Remember, mines are private property and you should never trespass while seeking stones. However, if you can investigate the landscape and lakes surrounding Rock Flat Mine, you're chances of finding rubies are very good. New Meadow and Little Goose Creek are regions of Idaho that have produced an abundance of a few different gems, according to mindat.org.

Enjoy these last few weeks of summer and get outdoors for some adventure. Rockhounding is a great hobby to do alone or with the family.