It's given this name because these almandite garnets are translucent, purplish-red stones that show four or six-ray stars when cabochon cut. The above picture of our garnets haven't been polished yet. We are researching how to get them so.
It was amazing! I didn't freak out ONCE that my kids were filthier than I have ever seen them! It was fun to get down and get dirty. I'm also thrilled that nothing got stained, all of the clothes came out of the washer clean. (okay, I had to wash them TWICE)
So glad that we were able to go up to Emerald Creek with the Smith Family! Here's how to have success when you go Garnet Mining:
1) Get your dirt and start sifting through it.
2) In order to get familiar with the dirt and clay, you MUST make sandcastles, lay down on the sand or simply eat it.
3) After you have gathered a bucketful of rocks, you clean them off in the trough. I use CLEAN loosely, as you see the water was pure and clean. (not!) 
She's got a big rock!
It was a fun day!
They're really quite remarkable. I have done some research on garnets and have found them to be fascinating! I think I may have a new favorite gemstone.
7 comments:
That looks like so much fun! I can't believe I've never heard of this before-- because I'm, you know, so on top of all the goings-on around the Palouse (ha ha). Next time you go, we want to come with ya! You can be our nesosilicates experts/tour guides!
Kari
Wow! What a cool activity to do with your kids! I'm sure they will never forget that. How awesome!
Cool! There's nothing quite like playing in good old-fashioned dirt :)
Jeremy told me that we camped up that way one time and drove up to Emerald Creek (I thought that place looked familiar). However, we didn't hunt for garnets. Another time maybe. :) Looks like you had fun.
what a fun activity! i love it! so...now what are you going to do with all of them?
How fun!! Sure looks like everyone enjoyed that! Great pictures too!
So you'll be sporting marlble-size garnets on your fingers and toesnow, huh? Don't forget about us little people!!
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