The federal mineral record holds 10,330 entries for Idaho — 4,092 mines that shipped ore, 2,083 prospects that never became mines, 3,210 recorded occurrences. Below it: 3 places where you can legally collect.
Mineral history, not an invitation. This mineral history comes from a federal record of historic mines, prospects, and occurrences. It is not a list of places to collect. Historic mine sites are usually on private land, under active mining claims, or unsafe to enter — and often all three. The places you can actually collect are in the legal-access directory below.
The commodities that drew miners and prospectors to Idaho, by number of historic records:
Gold · 4,525Silver · 3,733Lead · 2,698Copper · 2,213Zinc · 1,691REE · 343Uranium · 335Iron · 335
Records from the USGS Mineral Resources Data System, a legacy federal database last revised August 2022 and no longer updated.
Hours, fees, and access rules change. Verify with the operator or land agency before you go.
Fernwood, ID
star garnetalmandine garnet
Forest Service collecting area · Fee, seasonal · CRITICAL: the Forest Service page states the Garnet Area closed early in 2026 because the supply of excavated garnet-bearing material was depleted, and is closed the rest of the year. Normal operation is Thursday through Saturday from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend, by reservation only. Confirm the area is open before booking travel.
Checked against its source August 16, 2026
National Forest Lands in Idaho
Coeur d'Alene, ID
quartzagatejasper
Public land, rules apply · Free with permit · The snow-free window swings hard with elevation: roughly June through October in the Panhandle and the high country, considerably longer on the low Snake River side.
Checked against its source August 16, 2026
Spencer, ID
precious opalcommon opal
Fee dig · Fee, seasonal · Summer season only. The store is open Thursday through Monday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with digging 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day the shop is open. The operator confirms the 2026 summer season is open. Mountain weather can shut the pile - call (208) 374-5476 ahead.
Checked against its source August 16, 2026
GoldSilverCopperQuartz CrystalsAgatesJasperGarnetsFluoriteBerylOpalPetrified WoodGemstones
Yes — at places that allow it. This page lists 3 in Idaho: fee digs, designated collecting areas, and official localities, each checked against its source. Everywhere else, legality depends on who owns the land and what rules apply. Before any trip: check land ownership and current mining claims, get permission, respect closures, and never enter old mine workings.
Treat Idaho's historic mines as history, not destinations. Most sit on private land or active mining claims, and old workings are dangerous even to walk. The mineral record on this page tells you what the ground holds — the directory tells you where you are welcome to look for it.