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General information on sapphires & rubies

Corundum, with a hardness of 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, ranks only lower than diamond (and lonsdaleite) in hardness. As a result, corundum, when gem quality, produces spectacular pigeon's blood red rubies and sapphires of all other colors. The differences in color being due to the presence of trace metals. Some of the better places to find this gemstone in the US are in Montana (sapphires) and Wyoming (rubies and pink sapphires). In recent years, several ruby and sapphire deposits were found in Wyoming using geological clues. As a result, rubies and sapphires were discovered at Palmer Canyon, Grizzly Creek, Platte Ranch, Saratoga, Granite Mountains, Wind River Mountains and Rattlesnake Hills. Other deposits are likely to be found based on favorable geological conditions in Wyoming.

Where to find it:

What areas of the world are famous for this treasure? If you have first-hand experience with a spot where other treasure hunters can go, enter info here:

GPS Coordinates, if known: Town/region: Philipsburg, Rock Creek State, country:Montana Tips for finding it:Gem Mountain	GPS Coordinates, if known: Town/region: Helena, Lake Hauser State, country:Montana Tips for finding it:Eldorado Bar Mine
GPS Coordinates, if known: Town/region:Helena/ Hauser Lake State, country:Montana, USA Tips for finding it: Spokane Bar Sapphire Mine(they own the Eldorado Mine) On the internet	GPS Coordinates, if known: Town/region: State, country: Tips for finding it:

Tools needed: You can bring your own screens or purchase them. At Gem Mountain you can buy crushed gravel or dig your own. Same for Lake Hauser. These are both private pay for digs, but profitable. I have screened over 80 carats in a day!



Recommended to Bring:Tweezers, Film Canister for storage, Sunscreen, Water and lunch

Special skills needed:




Identification tips: If you screen them well they will sink to the bottom and become visible when you flip your screen. Plenty of support and pairs of eyes at each place. The picture above shows the general appearance.




Additional helpful resources:
[include links to websites, book titles, maps, clubs]

General Information about Sapphire as a gemstone:
Sapphire: The Gemstone

Info on hunting for Montana Sapphires, including maps and pictures can be found here:
Montana Sapphire hunting info


Recommend a guide:
[If you need a guide, list them here with phone/email and website URL]



Recommend an appraiser: Montana Gems Columbus Montana http://www.montanagem.com/