Ruby Meadows: Corundum & Quartz Rockhounding in Idaho County, Idaho

Updated June 2026

Ruby Meadows is a mapped rockhounding spot in Idaho County, Idaho. Reported finds include corundum, quartz. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Idaho County
State: Idaho
Nearest road: National Forest Road 364
Coordinates: 45.23125, -115.88197

Geology at Ruby Meadows

This spot sits on Idaho batholith, biotite granodiorite, mapped as muscovite-biotite granite and muscovite-biotite granodiorite that formed roughly 100 to 66 million years ago. Granitic ground like this typically carries quartz veins and pockets, and weathered crystals tend to collect in the soils and drainages below.

Mapped unit: Idaho batholith, biotite granodiorite
Age: 100–66 Ma (Late Cretaceous)
Rock types: muscovite-biotite granite and muscovite-biotite granodiorite
Elevation: 6,140 ft

Geologic mapping via Macrostrat and the underlying state geological survey maps (CC BY 4.0). Bedrock at the surface can vary within a mapped unit.

Best time to visit Ruby Meadows

Best months: March to October. Typical highs run 78°F in midsummer and 34°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 6°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, WARREN station (10 mi away), adjusted for elevation.

Land & collecting status

Generally open to casual rockhounding

Most public-tagged spots sit on BLM, U.S. Forest Service, or other federal land where reasonable hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed. Confirm posted rules and active mining claims before you dig.

Public-land rules vary by agency, season, and field office. The RockHoundR app pulls live BLM, USFS, NPS, and tribal overlays so you can see exactly which agency manages the ground at this spot.

Sources & verification

Spot details combine the public RockHoundR location dataset, normalized mineral labels, agency land-status checks in the app, and community submissions. Coordinates are approximate until verified in the field.

State guidance last verified: April 1, 2026

Idaho Panhandle National Forests — Emerald Creek
Idaho Geological Survey
Spencer Opal Mines (fee-dig operator)
Community submissions reviewed against published agency rules

Found at Ruby Meadows

Each chip opens all spots that produce that material; the encyclopedia link opens the full ID and field guide.

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Ruby Meadows.

Across the state line from Ruby Meadows

Ruby Meadows is close enough to the Idaho border that the next-closest rockhounding spots are in a neighboring state. Worth knowing if you are already on the road.

Ruby Meadows FAQ

Where is Ruby Meadows?+

Ruby Meadows is in Idaho County, Idaho, at 45.23125, -115.88197. Nearest road: National Forest Road 364.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Ruby Meadows?+

Ruby Meadows is reported to produce Corundum, Quartz.

Is collecting allowed at Ruby Meadows?+

Generally open to casual rockhounding. Most public-tagged spots sit on BLM, U.S. Forest Service, or other federal land where reasonable hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed. Confirm posted rules and active mining claims before you dig. Always confirm current rules with the managing agency before a trip.

What tools should I bring to Ruby Meadows?+

A rock hammer, a small pry bar, gloves, and safety glasses cover most crystal ground. A screen helps in loose pocket soil, and newspaper protects points on the way out.

When is the best time to visit Ruby Meadows?+

The most comfortable months at Ruby Meadows are March to October.

How do I get to Ruby Meadows?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 45.23125, -115.88197 in Google Maps. The nearest road is National Forest Road 364.

More rockhounding in Idaho

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Open Ruby Meadows on the map

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