Dig For Sapphires and Pan for Gold in Montana
Pan and Sift for Valuable Gems and Minerals
Mar 13, 2009
Montana has several rocks and minerals for avid rockhounds. The first is their world renowned Montana sapphires, more specifically the Yogo sapphire variety. Other much sought after gems are agates, garnets, and placer gold from the gold rich mountains. Yogo sapphires are said to be the finest in the world, and only two mining companies produce gems from the Yogo Gulch deposit.
Montana's sapphire mines present both a delight an a challenge. Of the few active sapphire mines located in Montana, only one or two may be open for on-site digging in any given year. Due to the uncertainty of mine closures, its imperative for travelers to always call ahead to the mine for a current status, open days, and hours.
The most colorful varieties of sapphires can be found on the Rock Creek deposit located near Philipsburg. Other deposits include the Spokane Bar and El Dorado Bar, located near Helena, and Yogo Gulch near Windham. Sapphires can be found along most portions of the Missouri River, Rock Creek, and Dry Cottonwood Creek, however, most sections are privately owned mineral claims.
If it's not possible to get to the mine, a good substitute is mining for sapphires by mail. Several of the mines sell sapphire gravel online and will ship it straight to the customer's door. Most mines include coupons that allow the customer to send the sapphires back for free evaluation. If the gems are suitable for faceting, the customer then has the option to pay an additional fee to have the gemstones faceted, otherwise the gemstones will be returned to the customer in their natural state.
Prospecting for Gold in Montana
Although gold is plentiful amid the Montana mountains, there is a distinct lack of gold panning sites available to the public. The majority of claims are owned by private individuals and permission is required in order to pan for gold on them. Another option is to join a gold prospecting club and possibly work a group claim.
In the Kootenai National Forest, the ranger district offers a free panning area at the Libby Creek Recreational Gold Panning Area. Bannack State Park also holds seasonal time specific gold panning activities at Grasshopper Creek during the summer months.
Finding Montana Gems
The best option for gem hunting in Montana may still lie with a small handful of the pay-to-dig mines like Gem Mountain and the Sapphire Mine, both located in Helena, or the Sapphire Gallery at Philipsburg. It's possible to find other gems at these locations as well, but sapphires always seem to be the most plentiful. Whether it's sapphires or gold that's calling, try Montana, either by mail or in person. It's an experience well worth it.
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