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A Hands-On Montana Treasure Hunt SPOKANE BAR SAPPHIRE MINE: URBAN AFFAIRS H E L E N A M O N T A N A TEXT BY HOLLY MATKIN PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED NEIGHBORHOODS 5360 Castles Road, Helena, MT O Supplied Photo SiG MT 14 n a gravely Hauser Lake shoreline northeast of Helena lies a sprawling trove of gemstones just waiting to be discovered. For nearly 55 years, Cass ompson and his family have operated the widely-renowned Spokane Bar Sapphire Mine, which is known to produce some of the highest quality, most diverse colored sapphires on the planet. e mine provides visitors with the exciting opportunity to personally unearth these precious gems from their 35-million-year-old hiding places – a captivating adventure that never fails to delight those willing to devote a bit of patience, diligence, and hard work. Cass says there is an air of mystery in siing through gravel and discovering something truly remarkable. In fact, being able to help others to experience that same feeling of wonder is exactly what he enjoys most about the work he does. "Its like gold fever, but with gemstones," he explains, "and the only cure is to keep mining!" Visitors come from all over the world to dig for Montana sapphires and other precious stones at the Spokane Bar Sapphire Mine. Customers can dig their own five-gallon bucket for just $10, or they can pay a bit more for a bucket of concentrate. Outside the business office and rock shop, which is chock-full of stunning jewelry, faceted stones, and a variety of gem- hunting must-haves, visitors get down and dirty as they sort through their buckets using the mine's screens and wash tubs. "We help you identify minerals and gems and teach you how to do the washing," Cass says. "We're good at finding them and we enjoy helping others find them, too. It is truly a special thing." Bags of concentrate make fantastic gis and can be purchased on-site or through the mine's website at www.sapphiremine. com. Cass says they've shipped their 30-pound bags all over the world. Supplied Photo Supplied Photo Spokane Bar Sapphire Mine welcomes visitors of all ages. e shop is open 7 days per week om 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. On-site washing and sorting is weather-dependent. Check out their website and Facebook page for more information. Phone (406) 227-8989 Visitors try their hand at finding their own precious stones. Everyone loves discovering sparkling gemstones! A fun-filled day of treasure-seeking awaits you!