PubTalk 12/2008 — Gemstone Deposits of the United States

Commercial production - localities visited by mineral collectors

by Pete Modreski, USGS Gemstone Specialist

• Gemstones found in the United States include sapphire, opal, tourmaline, aquamarine, turquoise, amethyst, peridot, and many others
• More than a half-dozen states are known for their gemstones, including unusual and exotic varieties such as red beryl, benitoite, and sunstone
• The gem material produced in the U.S. having the greatest overall value, does NOT come from rocks . what is this valuable commodity?
• In how many states have diamonds have been found; which states have produced diamonds commercially?