A bright red garnet nicely complements New York's state flower and fruit, the rose and apple. One of the largest garnet deposits in the world is on Gore Mountain in the town of Johnsburg. Although mined primarily for use as an industrial abrasive, garnets produced there are often of gem quality and are sold in jewelry. Star garnets are found almost exclusively in Idaho in Latah and Benewah counties. The stars are caused by intrusions of the mineral rutile.
Most stars have four rays.
Six-rayed star garnets are especially treasured by collectors. The star garnet recalls Idaho's nickname Gem of the Mountains .