

In the first part of the 20th Centuary the USA was the top producer of Tourmaline in the world. There are also more specifically designated gem sites where people can pay a fee to search for gem stones. This is primarily done on Government land, where permission to prospect is given.

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Production in the USA is hampered by high labour cots and environmental concerns.Ī significant portion of USA gem stone mining is done by amateur miners, or small commercial concerns with only a hand full of employees. As such, there is still a heavy reliance on imported gems. Diamonds for example, remain the most sort-after gem in the USA, whilst there are currently no commercial diamond mining operations in place. Whilst the USA has a good diversity of Gem stone sites, the industry is still relatively small and undeveloped. Red Beryl This rare form of Beryl is found in the Wah Wah Mountains of Beaver County, Utah Its USA status is however not all that makes it unusual! Ammolite is a biogenetic Gem stone, meaning that it was created by natural life processes, through the fossilization of shells! It comes in many shades, but most often has a layered, green, red and brown structure. It is found primarily in the Eastern areas of the Rocky Mountains and is unique to the USA. This is also known as Aapoak, and sometimes marketed under different branding. Sunstone has lovely copper, red and burnt umber tones, and a glowing disposition, that makes it a great choice for jewellery.Īmmolite is also of particular interest. Oregon sunstone would be a very good example. In addition to the above Petrified Wood, Azurite, Agate, Malachite and Peridot are to be found. They utilize Mussels to produce coin shaped pearls. The largest natural fresh water pearl industry in the USA is situated in Tennessee. Pearls: Pearls are classified as gemstones. There are other similar gems found in other parts of the world but this is the original. It is named after a small town in North Carolina. Hiddenite: - This is a light green gemstone and is extremely rare. Very rare pale to emerald green gemstone. It can be found in Minnesota, California and New Hampshire.īenitoite: - This gem is the state stone of California where it can be found. Tourmaline: - This gem also comes in many colored hues. Topaz: - The purest form of a Topaz gemstone is clear but they can also be found in light Blue, Yellow, Brown and Red. There are a large number of small mines particularly in Nevada Turquoise: - This gem is found mainly in Nevada, Arizona and New Mexico. The Carolina Emperor which is one of the largest Emeralds found in North America came from North Carolina. Some of the rarest and biggest Emeralds can be found in this state. Wyoming in the mid 1930’s was named the Jade State.Įmeralds: - This beautiful gemstone can be found mainly in North Carolina. Jade: - This gemstone can be found in both California and Wyoming. There are quite a number of areas mining rubies. One of the places you can find them is in Franklin North Carolina. Rubies: - These are gemstones with a rich red coloring to them. Oregon is also famous for its Thundereggs and Sunstones. In Virgin Valley in Nevada there are black fire opals. Opals: - These are mainly found in the states of Nevada, Oregon and Idaho. Some of the main gemstones are listed below and the areas in which they are mined: Main Areas for Gemstones But there are also many unique stones that are peculiar to the region!

The regular names that we associate with Gem stones, such as Emeralds, Rubies, Beryl and Sapphires are all mined in the USA. We all too often think upon Africa as the world’s main source of quality gem stones, and whilst Africa does contribute significantly, some may be quite interested to learn just how extensive and diverse the deposits of gem stone are in the USA!Īs you would probably imagine, much of the gems are sourced in the western regions of the USA – Colorado, Arizona and Nevada would rightly be most peoples guess, but lesser know are the areas of North Carolina, Tennessee, Arkansas and even Maine!
