Gem Mountain Sapphire Mine Guide
Strike it Rich! Unearth Your Own Sapphires at Gem Mountain! Guide
Embark on a sparkling adventure at Gem Mountain Sapphire Mine, where you can try your luck at finding your very own Montana sapphires! Located just outside of Philipsburg, this unique attraction offers a hands-on experience that's fun for the whole family. Imagine sifting through gravel, carefully searching for those hidden gems – it's like being a real-life treasure hunter! Gem Mountain Sapphire Mine has been a working mine for decades, and it's now open to the public for sapphire mining. Montana sapphires are known for their brilliance and variety of colors, ranging from blues and greens to pinks and yellows. The mine provides you with the necessary equipment, including buckets, screens, and tweezers, and expert staff are on hand to guide you through the process. They'll teach you how to identify potential sapphires and offer tips for maximizing your chances of finding a valuable gem. The main activity is, of course, sapphire mining! Purchase a bucket of gravel, head to the washing station, and start sifting. The excitement builds as you uncover each stone, hoping to find a beautiful sapphire. Once you've finished sifting, you can take your finds to the identification station, where the staff will help you identify and evaluate your sapphires. You can then choose to have your sapphires heat-treated to enhance their color and clarity, and even have them set into jewelry. It's a truly unique and memorable experience, and you might just walk away with a stunning piece of Montana treasure!
Transportation
Gem Mountain Sapphire Mine is located a short drive outside of Philipsburg. From Philipsburg, head east on Highway 1 for approximately 6 miles. The mine will be on your right. There is ample parking available on site.