🪨 Sapphires
Montana is the only significant sapphire source in the US. Yogo Gulch and Missouri River sapphires are world-renowned.
Best Places to Find Sapphires
Cherokee Ruby & Sapphire Mine
Franklin, North Carolina · Fee Dig
Accessible sluicing operation for all ages. Screen through dirt to find rubies, sapphires, garnets, and rutile. Affordable family activity in the Blue...
Hiddenite Gem Mines
Hiddenite, North Carolina · Fee Dig
Historic gem mining area where hiddenite (a rare spodumene variety) was first discovered in 1881. Multiple fee-dig operations in the area.
Gem Mountain Sapphire Mine
Philipsburg, Montana · Fee Dig
Montana's premier sapphire mining destination. Unique blue-green Montana sapphires increasingly popular for engagement rings. Staff clean and assess y...
Eldorado Bar Mine
Helena, Montana · Fee Dig
Private sapphire mine accepting summer reservations. Known for producing significant quantities of Montana sapphires alongside diverse other gemstones...
Yogo Gulch Sapphire Area
Utica, Montana · Fee Dig
Home of the famous Yogo sapphires — some of the finest sapphires in the world. Known for cornflower blue color. Most productive US sapphire deposit hi...