If you're looking for a stunning and ethically sourced colored gem, look no further. Mined in Montana under strict environmental regulations and labor laws, Montana Sapphires are not only incredibly unique and vibrant, they're some of the most ethically sourced gems in the world.
Whether you're looking for a Montana sapphire engagement ring, a treat-yourself Montana sapphire ring, or a loose montana sapphire, keep reading for all you need to know, including:
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Ethical Sourcing - Environment, Traceability, and Labor Standards
- Pro-tips for Buying a Montana Sapphire Ring
WHAT ARE MONTANA SAPPHIRES?
Montana sapphires are sapphires that are exclusively mined in Montana, USA. Discovered during the 19th-century Gold Rush, these gems quickly became beloved for their high clarity and distinctive color palette. What sets Montana sapphires apart from others around the world are their lighter, more open hues—think dreamy teals, soft greens, and vibrant blues that seem to shift and shimmer with every angle. Fun fact: almost all of the sapphires in the U.S. are found in Montana.
Just like all sapphires, Montana sapphires are a very durable gemstone. Rated a 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, with excellent toughness and great stability, they're perfect for engagement rings or wear-everyday rings.
Teal radiant cut montana sapphie in yellow gold
WHY WE LOVE MONTANA SAPPHIRES
Rare & Unique colors
Montana sapphires come in unique colors that aren't often found in other parts of the world -think delectable teals, mesmerizing bi-color stones in rare color combinations, and of course, incredible color change sapphires.
Montana sapphires tend to have a lighter, brighter, and more translucent appearance compared to sapphires from other areas. Instead of the deep, inky saturation seen in some Burmese or Australian sapphires, Montana sapphires have a softer, more ethereal quality—allowing more light to pass through the stone for added vibrance.
Montana Sapphire Colors & Their Rarity
Montana sapphires come in an infinite array of colors, many that are rarely found elsewhere. Some of the most sought-after shades are:
- Teal & Green-Blue Sapphires – The most iconic Montana sapphire colors, these stunning shades shift between green and blue depending on the light.
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Parti Sapphires – These rare stones display multiple colors within a single gemstone, often blending blue, green, and yellow. Montana is one of the only regions where you'll find rare combinations like orange and purple or light blue and yellow.
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Cornflower Blue (Yogo Sapphires) – Naturally vibrant blue with exceptional clarity, these are among the most valuable Montana sapphires.
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Color-Change Sapphires – Montana sapphires are known for their color-shifting magic - changing their coloring depending on the lighting.
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Pink & Yellow Sapphires – If you're a GB frequenter, you know we love our pinks and yellows - from barbiecore to ballet slipper and buttercream yellow to sunshine bright - we're in for the happy-toned stones.
Ethically mined
There's two main factors in ethical sapphire sourcing: the miners and the environment. Montana is one of our top choices for ethical, responsibly sourced sapphires because they fulfill both of these requirements - their mines have very stringent health & safety standards AND environmental regulations, plus its considered to be one of the most traceable sapphire sources in the world.
Keep reading for more on the environmental practices and labor standards of Montana sapphires.
Environmental Responsibility
Mining operations in Montana must comply with rigorous and very strict environmental laws, ensuring that mining activities do not negatively impact the surrounding ecosystem.
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Water Management: The Rock Creek mine, for example, has an advanced water filtration system where water is captured from rainfall and used for washing rough materials. Before being released, the water undergoes a multi-step purification process, ensuring it is drinking quality once its released.
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Land Reclamation: After the sapphires are extracted, the land must be carefully restored by replacing topsoil and replanting native trees and plants, returning it to its natural state. All reclamation and active mining is inspected regularly by the Department of Environmental Quality and The Mining Bureau.
Fair Labor Practices
Sourcing from U.S. mines means they have to follow very stringent health & safety standards and adhere to all U.S. labor laws. That means fair pay, safe working conditions, overtime, and fair treatment. All miners must be trained, certified, and the mining operations undergo regular inspections by the Mining Safety Health Administration (MSHA) to ensure compliance with U.S. labor laws.
Traceable
Montana sapphires are among the most traceable gemstones in the world. Our Montana sapphire suppliers have direct relationships with the mine owners and operators and can pinpoint where every sapphire came from to within a 5 or 10-acre patch of land.
This level of transparency is rare in the gemstone industry - there are usually multiple middlemen between the mine and the gemstone dealer, and usually the stone can't be traced back to its origin.
Read more about how we source ethical sapphires from Montana, Sri Lanka, Australia, and all over the world in our blog post.
Unheated
Most sapphires are heat-treated to deepen their color and enhance clarity, but Montana sapphires often don’t need the extra help. Their natural hues are already luminous and distinct, with a natural, born-with-it brilliance. While some are treated, it’s far less common.
Where Are Montana Sapphires Mined?
Montana’s sapphires come from four key regions, each with its own distinct character:
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Rock Creek – The most productive sapphire deposit in Montana, serving up a full buffet of colors—from classic blue to teal, green, and dreamy pastels. These sapphires are typically found as smooth, rounded pebbles and are often heat-treated to deepen their hues. This region also has some of the strictest environmental regulations.
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Yogo Gulch – Home to the famous Yogo sapphires, these gems are naturally a deep cornflower blue and require no heat treatment. They are among the rarest and most valuable Montana sapphires, coveted for their exceptional clarity and uniform coloring.
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Missouri River – Producing sapphires in striking blues, greens, teals, and the occasional pink, Missouri River sapphires are known for their larger sizes and are often cut into custom shapes to maximize their brilliance.
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Dry Cottonwood Creek – This lesser known deposit produces sapphires in a stunning array of colors, from vibrant blue to soft yellow and rich green. Larger carat sizes are often found here as well as bi-color stones.
Pro Tips for Buying a Montana Sapphire Ring
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Look for an Ethical Supplier: Buy from a reputable jeweler who sources directly from Montana mines and is transparent about the origins of the stone. We work with trusted gemstone dealers who have direct relationships with Montana mines to ensure full traceability.
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Consider Color: Decide on the color(s) you're looking for - save photos of stones you love and we can set out finding a similar stone you'll love even more!
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Understand Heat Treatment: Decide if you prefer an unheated sapphire or a heat-treated one for enhanced color and clarity. Remember, heat treatment is standard practice with most sapphires and is nothing to worry about. High-quality unheated sapphires will usually cost more than heated sapphires.
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In-Stock or Completely Custom: Choose from our collection of one-of-a-kind, ready to ship Montana Sapphire rings or start from scratch with a completely custom Montana Sapphire ring. Whether you have a fully-formed idea in your mind or just a general inspiration, we'll bring your vision to life!
Montana Sapphires vs other Sapphires
Your Montana Sapphire Questions Answered
Are Montana Sapphires valuable?
Yes! Montana sapphires are one of the most valuable sapphires on the planet thanks to their rarity, quality, and ethical sourcing standards. Their unique color range and clarity make them highly sought after in the gemstone market.
What is the difference between Montana sapphires and regular sapphires?
Montana sapphires are distinct because of their unique color spectrum, which includes shades of blue, green, and even rare colors like purple and pink. Additionally, they're known for their high clarity and ethical sourcing, with strict environmental regulations and labor standards.
What is the rarest color in Montana sapphires?
The rarest Montana sapphire colors are pink and purple.
Are Montana sapphires ethically sourced?
Yes, Montana sapphires are some of the most ethically sourced sapphires in the world. Mines are subject to strict environmental regulations, including water purification and complete land reclamation, and must adhere to all U.S. labor standards for safe working conditions and fair pay.
IS A MONTANA SAPPHIRE A REAL SAPPHIRE?
Yes! "Montana sapphire" just means natural sapphires that were mined in Montana.
WHAT MAKES MONTANA SAPPHIRES DIFFERENT?
Montana sapphires are known for their unique color range, including teals, greens, and rare bi-color or color-changing hues. They have a lighter, more translucent quality that enhances their natural vibrancy. Montana sapphires are also known for their ethical sourcing, with strict environmental regulations, traceable origins, and fair labor practices.
Thinking of treating yourself (or your love) to a Montana sapphire ring? We specialize in unique Montana sapphire rings with unexpected stone shapes and colors, showstopping settings, and endlessing interesting design details.
Peruse our complete collection of one-of-a-kind Montana Sapphire Rings here, browse our selection of loose Montana Sapphires here, or book a free virtual consult to create a custom Montana sapphire ring, earrings, necklace or any montana sapphire jewelry with a handpicked stone that fits your exact vision.