Along with the nice, warmer Idaho weather has come the season for rockhounding in the Gem State. A lesser-known but still remarkably dazzling stone is said to be plentiful in the forest surrounding one of Idaho's smallest communities approximately 140 miles north of Twin Falls.

Rockhounding season has arrived Idaho! It's time to locate your folding shovels, backpacks, spray bottles, and hiking boots and stash it all in a tote in the trunk (or cab) of your car or truck. The next four months are going to be ideal for getting outdoors and exploring for stones.

Rocks get colors from a combination of present minerals and sunlight. Rocks containing high amounts of Beryl are reported to be in large abundance near the community of Atlanta.

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Some of my fondest memories in Idaho were packing up some food, supplies, and the metal detector and heading into the Sawtooth Mountains to take my young son to area creeks and rivers in search of why Idaho has the stellar nickname it does. Idaho is home to more gems and minerals than just about any other place on Earth, and the central and southern regions of the state are home to most of them.

One mineral that doesn't get brought up much in conversations pertaining to uniquely striking finds is Beryl rocks, which come in multiple colors. Rocks get colors from a combination of present minerals and sunlight. Rocks containing high amounts of Beryl are reported to be in large abundance near the community of Atlanta. The town is located 23 miles northeast of Featherville.

If you do a search on the Idaho Department of Lands website under the specific gemstones and rock information you'll find more locations where these minerals can be located. Happy hunting!

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