
Idaho isn’t one of the top two producers of pumice in the US, but it does produce higher quality pumice than any other location. That’s right: pumice is a volcanic glass since it lacks a defined crystalline structure. Rapid cooling from sudden air exposure combines with the sudden depressurization of trapped gasses leaving the stone, creating an airy stone that’s composed of volcanic glass. It’s essentially the “froth” of magma solidified. Pumice is pyroclastic, thrown from a volcano during an eruption. It’s not the first on many collector’s lists, but it’s an important mineral resource for the state of Idaho. Pumice is a volcanic stone that’s highly porous, and often used in cleaning products and construction.
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The two biggest mines are near each other. While much of it is concentrated in this area, you’ll actually find reports of both common and precious opal from all over the state. The small town of Spencer is often considered the capital of opals in North America.

Idaho produces an astounding amount of precious opal, at least for a location in the United States.
