Sapphires were first mined near Philipsburg in the 1890s - and today gem mining continues to be one of our most popular attractions, offering the experience of digging and sifting through gravel from the local Rock Creek deposit from the Sapphire Mountains in search of rare, fine gemstones.

Of the four sapphire regions in Montana, the Rock Creek sapphires have distinctly crisp and sharp colors, from cornflower blue to red-orange and mint green, and today are sought after around the world. This is a family-friendly activity that celebrates our area’s rich mining heritage, and one that can be enjoyed year-round in Philipsburg at The Sapphire Gallery, Montana Gems of Philipsburg, and Gem Mountain - all found right in downtown Philipsburg.