Geology
The most common gemstone found in Gem Valley is obsidian. This is the result of several extinct volcanoes and lava domes within the area. Most of the local obsidian is black with low gas content. Some of the mineral contains light brown marbling that is unique to the area. Obsidian plays historical importance to Gem Valley as it was used by the Shoshone Indians that once inhabited for knives and arrowheads. Other local gemstones that are common to Gem Valley are geode, quartz, agate, and petrified wood
Solid basalt can be found beneath the soil throughout most of the valley and exposed outcrops are common. Other types of rock that are common in the area are limestone and shale. These non-volcanic rock beds are rich with fossils of prehistoric marine life once native to Lake Bonneville, ranging from well preserved molluscan shells, to small fish. Trilobite fossils can often be found in local shale deposits.
In the northern end of the valley, limestone is commercially mined and processed into lime which is used elsewhere in concrete and steel production.
Much of the soil in Gem Valley is dark, nitrogen rich volcanic soil. This soil type is ideal for farming, particularly potatoes and grain. Clay sediment is also common.
The Wasatch Fault is visible throughout many parts of the valley due to the sharp displacement that creates a small bench at the foot of the mountains. Mild to moderate earthquakes have been reported to originate at the fault.
Coordinates: 42°34′34″N 111°43′47″W / 42.576245°N 111.729599°W / 42.576245; -111.729599
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