MONTANA
State Gemstones: Montana Agate & Sapphire (1969)
State Fossil: Maiasaura Peeblesorum (1985)
Do you have a short list of must visit states? Add Montana to it. Montana won’t disappoint and rockhounding is an extremely popular hobby there.
Montana is known as the ‘Treasure State’ and is well known for its enormous copper (the ‘richest hill on earth’) and coal deposits. In addition, the state is famous for its sapphires and its agates. It also is home to some very unusual ringing rocks.
Sapphire is a variety of corundum. Red corundum is called ruby while all other colors are called sapphire.
Montana was once a top producer of gold and other precious metals. Gold panning continues to be a popular hobby to this day. You can pan for gold in almost any stream or river and end the day with a nice reward of small gold flakes.
GEM MOUNTAIN SAPPHIRE MINE
21 Sapphire Gulch Lane
at mile marker 38.4 of Montana Highway 38, Skalkaho Pass Road, between Hamilton and Philipsburg.
Year-Round Phone: (406) 859-GEMS (4367)
Mine Phone: (406) 859-MINE (6463
INFORMATON
Gem Mountain Sapphire Mine isn’t just a location; it’s an experience where the thrill of discovery is around every gravel scoop! ? What I Found: Dive into my day at the mine, where I uncover a bounty of sapphires, showcasing their raw beauty and variety. The excitement of each find is captured, giving you a firsthand look at the potential treasures that lie beneath. ? Open to All: Great news for fellow treasure hunters – this mine is open to the public! Whether you’re a seasoned gem collector or a curious newbie, Gem Mountain offers an unforgettable experience. I’ll share tips on how you can plan your own visit so be sure to watch the entire video.
HOURS
Open Memorial Day Weekend thru Labor Day Weekend
Wednesday. – Saturday, 9:30 to 5:30
Sunday – Tuesday, CLOSED
PRICES
$40/bucket or buy 6 buckets, get 7th bucket free
Accessibility:
Restrooms and picnic tables.
INFORMATON
No pets. Service animals are welcome.
Bring good shoes (no flip flops or open-toed shoes), sun protection, plenty of liquid refreshments, and snacks. Please note that the mine currently only has 6 sapphire gravel screening stations setup, so booking your visit ahead of time is VERY important. It usually takes 2-3 hours to screen the dirt, and it is a lot of work, especially in the summer heat.
Some shade is available. Please allow for variable weather conditions. Cold and wet weather gear is also recommended as the weather can change rapidly even in the summer.
We have all the equipment you need to search for sapphires on site, although you are free to take purchased buckets of gravel concentrate home with you in addition to, or even instead of, using the mine’s equipment.
HOURS
We keep the mine open to fee digs until winter hits, which varies by year. We will put an announcement on FaceBook.
If weather on the day of your dig is particularly bad (lightning, torrential rain), we will allow you to reschedule.
CLICK HERE FOR A YOUTUBE VIDEO OF THE DRIVE TO THE MINE.
PRICES
FEE DIGS ARE CASH ONLY!
6 Screened 5-gallon buckets – $125 cash
Accessibility:
We have two portable toilets on the premises, with one of them being wheelchair accessible.
CRYSTAL PARK
Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest
420 Barrett St.
Dillon, MT 59725
(406) 683-3900
INFORMATON
Crystal Park is a beautiful recreation area at an elevation of 7,800 feet in the Pioneer Mountains in southwest Montana. Facilities include 3 picnic sites with tables and grills, information signs, toilets, and a paved trail with benches and an overlook.
The crystals found at Crystal Park can be clear, cloudy, white, gray or purple. They can be smaller than your little finger or up to several inches in diameter.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
Hand tools are the only tools allowed for use, and there is a five-day-per-person season limit on digging.
HOURS
The Day Use area is open from June through November.
PRICES
$5 per car
Accessibility:
The day use area and the toilets are accessible.
PRIVATE LOCATION
Montana
Disclaimer
Please note that rock collecting locations are always changing so be sure to check with the site owner for the most current information before going.
Dig safe, never go underground, and make sure to get permission from the landowner to search for and collect rocks.