3 Day Virtual Journey to Montana

Day 3: Historic Sapphire mines near Helena and the mineral rich area of Butte, Montana

As you learned on Day 1 of our virtual journey, there are four main sapphire mining areas in Montana. We visited Bozeman to learn about Yogo sapphires mined from an underground hard rock mine. We also visited Gem Mountain in the Rock Creek area to do some mining of our own. Finally, we return to where it all started to learn about the historic sapphire mines along the Missouri River and in the Dry Cottonwood Creek area.

Heat Treated and Faceted Montana a Sapphires surrounded by rough sapphires. Photo Credit: @acgemlab
Heat treated and faceted sapphires surrounded by rough sapphires from Gem Mountain.
Photo Credit: @acgemlab

The first sapphire discovery in Montana was along the Missouri River. Many prospectors dismissed the blue-green pebbles they found while searching for gold. The official discovery date of sapphires in Montana was recorded by George F. Kunz of Tiffany & Co. as May 5, 1865. Stones from the Eldorado Bar along the Missouri River were known for their large size compared to other Montana Sapphires. Today commercial sapphire mines are operating in the area.

The next sapphire discovery in Montana was in the Dry Cottonwood Creek area near Butte in 1889. The town of Butte was known for its rich copper deposits. Visitors can experience all the minerals from Montana at the Montana Tech Campus Mineral Museum.

Montana Tech Campus Mineral Museum 
Photo Credit: @acgemlab
Montana Tech Campus Mineral Museum
Photo Credit: @acgemlab

The town of Butte, set on a hill, has historic architecture along each street that transports you back to a bygone era. The Berkley Pit, formerly a copper mine and now a popular tourist attraction, is filled with highly acidic water left over from the mining process. Looking up at the surrounding mountain, I was delighted to see the statue of Our Lady of the Rockies. The statue was constructed for “all women of every creed and nationality and [is] a symbol that express thanksgiving for the loving memories and actions of women”. The feeling of community and gratitude can be felt throughout Montana from its residents.

Our Lady of the Rockies Statue near Butte Montana. 
Photo Credit: @acgemlab
Sign commemorating Our Lady fo the Rockies Statue near Butte, MT.
The town of Butte and the Berkley Pit are visible in the background.
Photo Credit: @acgemlab

I was pleasantly surprised by Montana’s unexpected beauty. You can find everything under the sun here in Big Sky Country. The vast mountain landscapes and diverse mineral resources make Montana a true gem. Although travel plans have been interrupted due to COVID-19, we will eventually return to a new normal. I hope that one day you find your self discovering all the wonderful things Montana has to offer.

Big Sky Country Montana, what a beautiful place to discover. 
Bozeman, Montana
Photo Credit: @acgemlab
Montana is known as Big Sky Country, for good reason.
Photo Credit: @acgemlab

Written By: Alanna Campbell, September 11, 2020

Opinions and experiences are my own. I am not affiliated with anyone described in this article. Photos are credited to @acgemlab.