8. Idaho Minerals
The Complete Reference and Guide to the Minerals of Idaho, 2nd ed.Written by: Lanny R. Ream
Reviewed by Justin Zzyzx

Personally, one of my biggest day dreams involves the Sawtooth Mountains in Idaho and the Aquamarines that lay waiting for me to come get them out. Following in the tradition of fine state locality books, Lanny R. Ream does a fantastic job of giving a great reference guide to Idaho. One very knowledgeable field collector once told me, “if you want to go where you can still find some amazing things, go to Idaho”. Looking at the locality information it makes me wonder what still lies uncovered.

The book includes three chapters on classic mineral localities in Idaho, while the rest of the book is on each mineral found in Idaho, but that takes up over 3/4 of the book. Not that it is a bad thing, the locality write-ups are complete and interesting to read, focusing on the Blackbird District, Coeur d’ Alene Mining District and the Sawtooth Mountains. I was shocked to see all of the different minerals found in these areas, far surpassing what I had envisioned in each district!

Did you know there was Gem Tourmaline in Idaho? I sure didn’t before I checked out the book. This second edition is a thorough look at Idaho and should be included in every mineral book collection!

The writing it top notch, the locality information looks complete and packed with details. On top of that the pictures are rather interesting and it is surprising to see the variety of minerals and the scope in which Mr. Ream picked from to show us a seldom seen vision of Idaho! I highly recommend this book.