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.
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