
My heart jumped when I saw it! I feel pretty confident it's
red jasper...

Idaho is nicknamed The Gem State because it has such a large variety of gemstones. According to this source, "Idaho has seventy-two kinds of gem stones. This is more than any other state, and second only to Africa in the rest of the world." That statement really adds more fuel to the rock-hunting fire, if you know what I mean ;)
A little research on the internet shows red jasper to be a strong protection gemstone which sends out calming vibrations and absorbs any negativity, and it's good for balancing energy in the body - I can always use that. It feels so incredible that the earth offers up such amazing bits of itself. Whether it's micro-striped, crystal-embedded, heart-shaped or tomato red, each rock is truly unique and a wonderful lesson on the magic of Mother Nature.
Oh yes, I understand your addiction to hunting rocks. They are all so unique and mesmerizing.That red jasper is a great find... I keep thinking we need to go visit our John Day Fossil Beds here in Oregon before the heat is prohibitive----thanks for the reminder!
Posted by: Berlinswhimsy | May 15, 2008 at 05:09 PM
I get it!! I have jars and bowls of rocks and sea glass that I have collected all over the house! It is the thrill of the hunt!!
Posted by: kristen | May 09, 2008 at 09:26 PM
I would be addicted as well. I get that way about river glass when I get to go to a river more than one day in a row, or beach glass. I have never found rocks like yours. Amazing!
Posted by: Madeline | May 09, 2008 at 07:01 AM
i too am an addict. i collect stones everywhere i go. have been doing it for years. i've collected them from every place i've lived...US, Mexico, Caribean, Spain, and now Japan. and the thing is, i cannot leave them behind. when i pick up and move, the stones come with me. i know, insane...and heavy.
Posted by: cyndi | May 08, 2008 at 05:19 PM
Just so you know, I kind of think of you as magic.
Those rocks...
Posted by: Tracey@Paper Dolls for Boys | May 08, 2008 at 04:51 PM
Beautiful. And what fun. I love the focus of things like rock hunting. Nice!
Posted by: Denise | May 08, 2008 at 03:41 PM
I love rocks and treasure hunting for them. You've found some keepers. I'd probably be like you ~ wanting to return to the spot to hopefully find more. Now, come & see my new giveaway btw...
Posted by: Ellen | May 08, 2008 at 03:13 PM
WWWOOOOWWW!!! I thought, in the top picture, that it was litter! I can't believe you just found that laying in a riverbed. It's incredible.
I'm with you; there are few things more relaxing to me than rock-hunting, whether at the ocean, or along a river bed or at a lake-side beach. I want to bring them ALL home.
What do you do with yours? Do you keep them inside or out (or both?!)
Posted by: kate | May 08, 2008 at 01:17 PM