Washington Gold and Gems

Placer gold was discovered in Washington in the 1850′s. However, placer mining did not become particularly active until discoveries were made in the 1860′s on Peshastin Creek in Chelan County and on Swauk Creek in Kittitas County.  During those early years and into the 1900′s, prospecting was general and it is possible that many streams were overlooked in the search for more worthwhile placer locations.   It is impossible at this time to determine the total amount of placer gold produced in the state of Washington.  The records for the period prior to 1900 are fragmentary at best and were not broken down to a county basis.  The many localities reporting locations of placer gold may indicate the parts of the state where prospecting may be advantageous today.  In June, 1975 the 44th Legislature of the State of Washington designated petrified wood as the state gem because of its beauty and abundance.  Petrified wood is found throughout the state and is symbolic of early forests.  It also