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.
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.
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.
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.
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.