Mine – TheGemTours – Missouri River in Montana

The Missouri River in Montana is known for its sapphire-bearing gravel, particularly along the Upper Missouri River. Eldorado Bar, near Helena, is a prominent location where sapphire and other gems like rubies, garnets, and topaz can be found in the river gravel. The gravel is also a source of construction and landscaping materials.

Sapphire Mining and Gravel:

Eldorado Bar:

This gravel bar is actively mined for sapphires, and historical mining relics from the 1800s can still be seen. Spokane Bar.

Sapphires in the Missouri River gravel are part of an alluvial deposit, meaning they have been transported and deposited by the river’s current.

Other Minerals:
In addition to sapphires, the gravel may contain rubies, garnets, topaz, hematite, and even gold.