This is my hobby - sapphire mining.
Very different from gold mining since most of sapphire is processing gravel, not dirt. Bought a bunch of the 30 lb gravel bags over time. The 30 lb bags are larger gravel (most (80%) is caught by 1/4 inch classifier), which allows for quick processing. I use classifiers/screens (I prefer 1/4 inch for larger stones; 1/8 and 1/12 for smaller stones; 1/20 and 1/50 are too small to be cut) and a child's tracing box for a light box to find the sapphires. If no light box then be out in sunlight if possible and do not wear sunglasses. Montana sapphires look like pieces of a shattered glass Coke Cola bottle with usually a light blue or light green hue. Unlike the North Carolina sapphires that are opaque, these tend to be translucent or transparent. I prefer gravel from Missouri River watershed over Rock Creek area since I have found larger stones. However, Rock Creek sapphires are more plentiful in the gravel, a lot fewer inclusions/flaws, and heat treat better. Largest sapphire to date is 13 carat, but heavily included. Largest decent one was 8 carat.
