Gemstones have been produced in what is now the United States for thousands of years. Native Americans produced turquoise, flint, amber, shells, obsidian and other materials for use in jewelry, beads, carvings and tools. In the southwest they mined turquoise and used it to make earrings and pendants. Along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts shells were used as gemstones and ornaments. The use of flint for making tools and ornaments was widespread.

Native Americans produced gemstone materials, used them locally and sometimes traded them across great distances. Obsidian can be used as evidence of this trade. It is a volcanic glass that is available in limitad areas; however, it was used in tools and ornaments by Native Americans throughout North America. This wide distribution is evidence of a significant trade in obsidian.

What Gemstones Are Mined in the United States?

About 60 types of gemstones have been produced in the United States. The most important gemstones in current production include: agates, amber, beryl, coral, garnet, jade, jasper, opal, pearls, peridot, quartz, sapphire, shell, topaz, tourmaline, turquoise and others. These stones are used for jewelry, carvings and as specimens by gem and mineral collectors.