Anybody ever go to a sapphire mine in Montana?

[winnietucker]

I want a sapphire and I’m about 7.5 hours away (driving) from that part of Montana. I thought that might be a fun way to find one. Anyone ever try it? I’d love to hear your experience.

My husband and I were planning on going late May if time of year matters.

 

[whitewave]

No, but I would love to go so please tell us of your experience when you get back, thanks.

 

[winnietucker]

No, but I would love to go so please tell us of your experience when you get back, thanks.

Will do!

 

[sydneyatl]

Many, many years ago. It was great fun but we didn’t expect to (and didn’t) find anything huge. Rumor has it they salt the mines with the scraps from the big mines. I think my biggest sapphires were maybe 1.3 carats, but even the rough was a lovely blue green color. I never ended up getting them cut.

 

[winnietucker]

Many, many years ago. It was great fun but we didn’t expect to (and didn’t) find anything huge. Rumor has it they salt the mines with the scraps from the big mines. I think my biggest sapphires were maybe 1.3 carats, but even the rough was a lovely blue green color. I never ended up getting them cut.

How long did it take you to find anything? Also, do the mines sell already cut stones found there?

 

[sydneyatl]

We were there for maybe an hour in the actual sifting. I don’t remember them selling anything but my memory might be off on that, as this was almost 20 years ago.