WA, ID, UT Gem Needs Polishing When Found: Could Be Toxic

Gem and mineral hunting is a passion of many in Idaho. There are dozens of semi-precious and precious stones scattered throughout the Gem State landscape, but only a few pose health risks if not handled correctly.

The Powder from Malachite Can Cause Respiratory Distress and Other Health Problems

It's wild to think that a stone that is so pretty to look at could make a person sick. Some in the rockhounding community will even warn against small levels of radioactive matter in these colorful, striated stones.

Lemhi County is a prime hunting ground for the copper carbonate mineral known as Malachite. It's mined throughout the world in countries such as Africa, Russia, Australia, and in the western United States, according to information on findgemstone.com.

READ MORE: Rockhounding Malachite Does Pose Some Risks

Malachite Is Used in Rings, Necklaces, and Other Pieces

It's reported that the powder from Malachite can cause respiratory distress due to the presence of carcinogenic properties, as well as other health problems, according to data from PubMed. This is why it's important to mask up and polish the rocks before wearing or displaying them.

Malachite is a beautiful stone that is used in rings, necklaces, and other pieces, and is relatively inexpensive. More impressive, larger pieces can be quite valuable, according to details shared by gemsociety.org.