The Gem State

Idaho State Nickname

Idaho-topographyusgsmap01.jpg

Idaho geology and topography map

Idaho geology and topography map courtesy of USGS: A Tapestry of Time and Terrain.

Nickname for Idaho

Idaho's nickname is "The Gem State" for the abundance of natural resources and scenic areas that include snow-capped mountain ranges, rapids, vast lakes and steep canyons. All State Nicknames

The waters of Snake River rush through Hells Canyon, the deepest canyon in the United States. Shoshone Falls plunges down rugged cliffs from a height greater than that of Niagara Falls.

The mountains of Idaho contain veins of gold, silver, lead, zinc, cobalt, copper, and many other rare minerals. Among these rare minerals are gems - star garnets (Idaho's state gem), jasper, opal, jade, topaz, zircon, and tourmaline.

Idaho

Images

State of Idaho, USA (image by TUBS on Wikipedia (use permitted with attribution / share alike).

State of Idaho, USA map