Customer Reviews

Gem Minerals of Idaho

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is one of those historical books that makes me wonder just how great collecting was in Idaho in the 1960s, before government regulations and population pressure made such a hash of things. I have only used Beckwith's book to explore two areas: the Emerald Creek garnet area up north, and the Silver City mining district down in the SE corner. I had mixed luck in both places, but mostly good. Generally, his information is standing the test of time fairly well.

I had a hard time comparing Beckwith's old hand-drawn maps with the current realities on the ground, for example. I didn't find any cassiterite near Silver City, but there were so many nails in the gravel road we were fixing flats instead of panning Jordan Creek. Also, when touring several of the old mines there, I didn't collect any real good quartz crystals. I wonder if the area has just been picked over?

Overall, Beckwith did a pretty good job. His field trip maps are the true value of the book. Some of the general discussion is just too vague for me, but that could just be me. I'm looking forward to using his information at Challis this summer.

My wife is interested in geology, and since we live in Idaho, thought she should have a copy! She had seen it years before at our local library. It's full of field trips, although they are some what dated, and we actually used some of them to find rocks and minerals...she loves it and now she has her own copy! I highly recommend it for Idaho rock hounds...the field trips are interesting and allow you to not only find rock, gems, and mineral, but to see the wonderful Idaho scenery as you search!

Book came in a very short time and in excellent condition. I was very pleased.