Idaho Department of Lands: Gemstone Guide

Gemstone Guide

Idaho is truly the Gem State. Since the origin of the earth, geologic processes combined to make the rocks of Idaho a mineral collector's storehouse. This, coupled with the beautiful forests and streams, makes Idaho the place where the rock collector's dreams come true.

ROCKHOUNDING ON IDAHO STATE ENDOWMENT LANDS

All Idaho State endowment lands are open to casual exploration for gemstones and mineral specimens providing they are not under a valid exploration location or mineral lease. Information regarding status of State endowment lands can be obtained from the Idaho Department of Lands' Supervisory Area Offices.

ROCKHOUNDING ON PUBLIC LAND

Rock hounds are welcome to collect rocks and gemstones from most public land administered by the US Forest Service or the Bureau of Land Management, but there are some exceptions. Some lands are withdrawn or reserved for certain purposes such as national landmarks, outstanding natural areas, research areas, recreation sites, national historic sites, etc. Rock hounding is usually not permitted in these areas. Rock hounding on valid mining claims is not advised without the locator's consent because of legal problems which might arise between the locator and the collector. Additional information concerning public lands can be obtained from the Idaho Bureau of Land Management, 1387 South Vinnell Way, Boise, Idaho 83709, Telephone (208) 373-3890.

STATE MINERAL LEASES

A state mineral lease allows you to mine and remove minerals from state endowment land. Leases cover up to 640 acres on lands, or one river mile on navigable streams. To hold a mineral lease you must obtain a bond and pay an annual rental of $1.00 per acre per year with a minimum of $160.00 per year. There is also a $25.00 application fee. Royalties must be paid to the state for any minerals removed. Leases on navigable streams require a prepaid royalty. Application forms are available at the Idaho Department of Lands offices and on our web site.

RECREATIONAL GOLD MINING

If you plan on using a gold pan, you can pan just about anywhere as long as you are not trespassing. You can pan for gold in the beds of navigable rivers and streams, which are under the control of the State of Idaho, if no one has filed an exploration location or mineral lease on your area of interest. If you want to prospect in a small river or stream, be sure to check the ownership of the property. If the creek is privately owned you may be able to obtain permission from the landowner, and if it's within public land administered by the US Forest Service or the Bureau of Land Management check with the BLM for any mining claims which may have been filed.

A number of navigable rivers have been withdrawn from mineral entry. For additional information concerning these withdrawals check with the Idaho Department of Lands. IDL administers state endowment lands and the beds of navigable streams, and you are free to file exploration locations and apply for mineral leases on any of these state lands not already located, leased or withdrawn. The mineral status plat books in the Department of Lands office will give you current information on what state lands have been located or leased, or visit our website. Once you have identified your area of interest, review county records in the county assessor's office or maps to determine ownership. If the land is privately owned, contact the owner. If it's federal land, contact the Bureau of Land Management or the US Forest Service. If it is owned by the state, contact the Idaho Department of Lands.

STATE EXPLORATION LOCATIONS

A state exploration location gives you the exclusive right to explore and prospect for gold and other locatable minerals on state endowment lands not already under location or lease. Exploration locations may also be filed on the beds of navigable rivers and streams between the ordinary high water marks. An exploration location covers 20 acres or one-half (½) of a surveyed government lot. Exploration locations are valid for a 2-year period beginning on the first of the month following the date of filing. There is no limit to the number of exploration locations you may file and you will have a preferential right to a mineral lease when the exploration location expires. If you do find commercial quantities of minerals on your exploration location, you must obtain a mineral lease from the state before removing the minerals. Exploration location forms are available at the Department of Lands office in Boise as well as all area offices statewide. Fees: Lands $100.00 per location; Navigable Streams $250.00 per location

PUBLICATIONS

The Idaho Geological Survey has publications for sale that describe the geology and mining history of many mineralized areas in Idaho. The collector will find the publications a help in researching for Idaho minerals.

Publication inquiries can be forwarded to: Idaho Geological Survey, University of Idaho, Morrill Hall, Third Floor, P O Box 443014, Moscow ID 83843, (208)885-7991. Other publication that might be of interest to the mineral collector: Gem Minerals of Idaho (by John A. Beckwith); Idaho Minerals (by Lanny R. Ream); The Minerals of Idaho (by Earl V. Shannon).

MAPS

Maps showing land status (federal, state, private) can be purchased from the Idaho State Office of the Bureau of Land Management. These maps also show roads, major trails and other useful features.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

More specific information on the geology of Idaho and the distribution of various minerals is available from geologists in the office of the Idaho Geological Survey in your area. Contact: Idaho Geological Survey, Merrill Hall, Room 332, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho 83843 or Idaho Geological Survey, Math-Geology Bldg, Room 229, 1910 University Drive, Boise, Idaho 83725.

GEMSTONE GUIDE