Name: Wrangell Garnets
Brand: Back Alley Rock Shop
Availability: InStock

Gems & Stones

• Skagway

Wrangell Garnets

By Back Alley Rock Shop

From: $15.00

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Did you know that you can source garnets from Alaska?

Enjoy these fun garnets found in Wrangell, Alaska.

**Please note the garnets listed as "small" are the more expensive garnets still in the schist and the garnets listed as "large" are the less expensive garnets, shown individually.

What locals call "The Garnet Ledge" is an area located on the mainland near the mouth of the Stikine River, about 7 miles from the City of Wrangell. The ledge is composed of a garnet-biotite schist that was formed over 90 million years ago along the western flank of the mountains. Garnet crystals formed as a result of the heat and pressure being applied to the existing rock.

The Ledge is located in the U.S. Forest Service Stikine-LeConte Wilderness area on the mainland at the mouth of the Stikine River. The U.S. Forest Service maintains the Garnet Ledge Cabin near the area that is available to rent. Because the area is located in a wilderness area, no power tools are permitted. Kids and their families will take hand tools and buckets to look for garnets in the rocks and streams. Many family traditions have evolved around annual garnet mining and selling.

Wrangell garnets can vary in size and are generally ruby-red, the most common color. Wrangell garnets are found in major gem collections around the world and are recognized for their faceted, luminous beauty. However, they are not gemstone quality and cannot be cut or polished without difficulty.

History

Awareness of the garnet ledge's existence dates back to the early gold miners of the 1860s. In 1892, J.D. Dana published his "Analysis of garnet from Wrangell", the earliest known scientific record of the crystals. The U.S. Geological survey Bulletin in 1906 by F.E. Wright also mentions the garnets. In 1907, what we believe was the first all woman owned corporation was created and operated the site. The Alaska Garnet Mining and Manufacturing Company, based in Minneapolis MN, created such items as hat pins and watch fobs. The Company continued to operate into the mid 1930s, when ownership was eventually transferred to Fred G. Hanford.

In 1962 Hanford deeded the garnet ledge to the Southeastern Alaska Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America "for only so long as the grantee.. shall use the land for scouting purposes and shall permit the children of Wrangell to take garnets there from in reasonable quantities". In the early 2000's, the land was transferred to the local Presbyterian Church.