Everyone knows about the California Gold Rush in the 19th century. However, today there is another phenomenon emerging in mining in the United States: the blue rush. In a globalized world where it is very easy to access very cheap precious gems from the other side of the world, customers are looking for domestic products more than ever. This is why sapphire mining in the state of Montana is gaining value; there is a palpable preference for ethical gems—mined under decent working conditions—and of domestic origin, Made in the USA.
Potentate Mining is the company behind all actual production of high-quality rough sapphires. They manage to extract between 10 and 40 kg of these sapphires per day. To do this, they extract 200 tons of gravel and sediment daily to reach these small precious gems. Montana is the only state in the United States with significant and sustained production of these jewelry-quality sapphires. It is historically called “The Treasure State” for a reason.
The Blue Rush
Mining in Montana is not a new phenomenon, but dates back to the 1860s. These small precious stones were discovered almost by accident; in fact, gold prospectors discarded these small blue stones that clogged their sluices while searching for nuggets.
As the years passed, the true value of the mineral was recognized. In the early 20th century, the extraction of these sapphires in Rock Creek was mainly used for industrial purposes. These sapphires were perfect for bearings and precision parts in watches and meters, which boosted a nascent technology industry. However, the creation of synthetic sapphires—much cheaper and easier to produce—caused mining to decline in the middle of the century.
Modern mining in Rock Creek
The key company is Potentate Mining LLC, which has secured the largest concession in the Rock Creek district, covering approximately 3,000 acres. The mining techniques it uses are surface mining, or the extraction of alluvial and colonial deposits. This strategy is much more efficient and economical, as it avoids the deep and costly underground excavations we are accustomed to. The process basically consists of mechanically washing and sorting large volumes of gravel and sand.
A central aspect of this type of mining is its environmental commitment to strict state regulation. The company prides itself on goals such as recycling up to 90% of the water used in the gravel washing process. Not only does it comply with the strict legal requirements for operating in the region, but it has also managed to protect the aquatic habitat of trout, one of the most important species of local fauna.
What are sapphires used for?
Sapphire is a very versatile gemstone. Its exceptional hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale means that this corundum mineral has many uses. Today, its main use is in jewelry, where it is a highly sought-after alternative to diamonds due to its durability and variety of colors. Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but the reality is that many women prefer to have a little color in the ring they wear on their finger (and in the rest of their jewelry box).
On the other hand, synthetic sapphires and smaller natural stones are mainly used in modern technology: in the optical sector, they are used to manufacture resistant windows in military and aerospace equipment; in electronics, this edge serves as a substrate for the manufacture of LEDs and various chips. As we mentioned earlier, its durability allows it to protect the glass of luxury watches and camera lens covers on smartphones, making them scratch-resistant.
Blue Rush: an economic motor
Hard rock mining in Montana, apart from sapphire mining, is an economic pillar for the entire state. Currently, hard rock mining in Montana provides 12,000 permanent jobs throughout the state, including indirect construction and service jobs. This industry adds more than $2.7 billion to Montana’s total economic output. What’s more, it has fueled a vital secondary economy: tourism. Many operations, especially in Rock Creek, have become tourist destinations where people pay for the experience of searching for sapphires.