Idaho State Nickname: The Gem State
Fact-checked • Updated December 10, 2025
"The Gem State"
Also Known As:
About the Nickname The Gem State
Idaho carries the official state nickname the Gem State. The state legislature made this name official in 1957. Idaho gem deposits include over 70 different types of precious and semi-precious stones found in mountains and streams across the state. The star garnet serves as Idaho's official state gem, and miners have discovered it in only two places on Earth.
Meaning of 'The Gem State'
The Gem State nickname connects directly to Idaho's rich mineral deposits. Miners and prospectors found gold in Idaho during the 1860s. That discovery brought thousands of people searching for wealth. But gold was just the beginning. Idaho mountains contain garnets, opals, rubies, sapphires, and jade. The Clearwater River area produces star garnets with unique six-pointed stars visible when light hits the stone's surface.
How did Idaho get its nickname the Gem State? People started using this name in the late 1800s when gem hunting became popular. Tourists and rock collectors traveled to Idaho looking for treasures. The nickname appeared in newspapers and travel guides during that time. State lawmakers officially adopted the Gem State in 1957, making it part of Idaho law.
Today, gem mining remains an active part of Idaho culture. Visitors can search for gems at several public mining areas. The town of Spencer holds an annual opal festival each summer. License plates display Famous Potatoes rather than the Gem State nickname, which surprises some people.
Other Nicknames
Little Ida
This nickname came from early settlers shortening Idaho's name. People used Little Ida in casual conversation during territorial days before Idaho became a state in 1890. The name suggested affection for the territory despite its large size. Idaho covers 83,570 square miles, making it the 14th largest state, so calling it little seems odd. Records suggest this nickname was more common in the 1870s and 1880s. Residents stopped using Little Ida regularly after statehood, though historical societies sometimes mention it when discussing Idaho's past.
Gem of the Mountains
Writers and poets used this longer version of the Gem State nickname. The phrase appeared in promotional materials encouraging people to visit or settle in Idaho during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Gem of the Mountains emphasized both the precious stones found throughout the state and the beautiful Rocky Mountain scenery. Tourism companies liked this nickname because it painted Idaho as a valuable destination. The phrase shows up less today, though some historical markers and old buildings still display it. Most people shortened it to just the Gem State over time.
Spud State
Idaho grows more potatoes than any other American state, which led to this nickname. Farmers plant potatoes across southern Idaho in areas with rich volcanic soil and good irrigation. The state produces roughly one-third of all potatoes grown in the United States each year. Spud State appeared on souvenirs and postcards starting in the mid-1900s when Idaho's potato industry expanded rapidly. The nickname sticks around today, and Idaho license plates even say Famous Potatoes instead of the Gem State. Some residents prefer focusing on agriculture rather than geology when describing their state.
Interesting Facts
Fact 1 of 6
Idaho contains over 70 different types of gemstones including star garnets, opals, rubies, sapphires, and jade.
Sources & References
This article has been researched using authoritative sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.
Official geological information from the Idaho Geological Survey about the rare star garnet and the mineral resources that shaped the Gem State nickname.
Official documentation from the Idaho Legislature listing state symbols and providing historical context for Idaho's nickname and related designations.
Historical records and publications explaining Idaho's mining heritage, gemstone discoveries, and early uses of the Gem State nickname.