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Typical waterworn sapphire crystals (note the hexagonal cross-section of some pieces) from El Dorado Bar, Montana

Picking through the concentrated gravel for gem sapphire: El Dorado Bar, Montana

Washing Sapphire-Bearing Gravel at El Dorado Bar, Montana

After the sapphire-bearing gravel has been concentrated by jigging in water, the gravel is flipped on a table and carefully hand sorted to identify the waterworn sapphire crystals. Most sapphires from this area are a pastel blue or blue-green color, but vibrant purple, pink and even red stones have been found. The rough sapphire crystals and fragments from El Dorado Bar are generally less than 5 carats in weight, but the clarity of the gem material is very good. Outstanding faceted gems are the result of the collector's efforts.


Note to "Rockhounds:" Mountain Lily Gems has no commercial interest in the El Dorado Bar Sapphire Mine. If you would like to visit and collect at this or other local sapphire mines, you should contact the Helena, Montana, chamber of commerce to obtain current information on fee areas that are open to the public.