Home-Grown Gems
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Walk into any jewelry shop and you’ll find a rainbow of gemstones mined from all over the world. You might be surprised to find, however, that many gemstones are found right here in the U.S. While a variety of gem-quality stones have been mined here, our quantity output is comparatively low to other nations. Most stones are from very small mines and our jewelry market is dominated by imported gems. This is largely due to the cost and strict regulations associated with operating a mine in the US.
Still, over a dozen states have produced an array of gems over the years. Some have become well known like Arizona turquoise or Montana sapphire; others may surprise you. Did you know western Tennessee is the only place in North America where cultured pearls are farmed? Here are a list of the best finds in the States.
Arizona – AZ is world famous for its turquoise which often adorns southwestern style jewelry. It’s lesser famous finds include peridots, opals, amethysts, and garnets.
North Carolina – In NC the three precious stones – emeralds, rubies, and sapphires can be found. In fact, there are even mines where the public can mine for their own stones. Aquamarine, citrine and quartz have also been discovered here in lesser quantities.
Oregon – This state’s most famous stone is the coppery “Oregon Sunstone” but opals have been found here as well.
California– CA is the only state where rare Benitoite, a sapphire-like blue stone is found. Not surprisingly, it’s the state’s official stone. CA is also home to tourmaline, topaz, turquoise, quartz, and garnet.
Colorado – CO is one of the two locations in the U.S. where diamonds have been mined. After the early 2000’s, however, mining in CO stopped. Still, the state produces aquamarine, lapis lazuli, garnet, topaz, and tourmaline.
Utah– Topaz is this states official rock but the rare bixbite (a red beryl), garnet, amethyst, agate, jasper and different types of opals have also been discovered.
Tennessee – The state is the only source of cultured pearls in the U.S.
Montana– MT is famous for its sapphires but agate is found in large quantities here too.
New York – NY’s most famous gem is the “Herkimer Diamond”, a quartz crystal found exclusively in one part of the state.
Arkansas– In AR anyone can pay a small fee and go looking diamonds at the Crater of Diamonds State Park. Quartz crystal is also found here.
Idaho- Star garnets and opals have been located in ID. Jade, topaz, and tourmaline have also been discovered in quantities.
Maine -A variety of gems have been mined in this New England state – tourmaline, morganite, smoky quartz, rose quartz,aquamarine and amethyst.
Louisiana – LA doesn’t have a lot of mineral deposits known for producing gemstones but opals have been found here.
Nevada – While NV is best known for its turquoise and jasper, agate and obsidian as well as opals have been found here. The state is also well-known for its turquoise, petrified wood, agate, jasper, and obsidian.
