Are Yogo sapphires valuable?
Yogo Sapphires are the most precious sapphires found in North America. They are considered to be among the finest sapphires in the world. These unique gems come from only limited area, named Yogo Gulch, located in the Little Belt Mountains of Montana.
Are Montana sapphires valuable?
What makes Montana sapphires even more valuable to many people is the way they are ethically sourced and mined, with consideration for the environment and an easy to trace “mine to market”. Just as with other sapphires, a Montana sapphire’s value (and price) will depend on its color, clarity, cut, and carat weight.
Are Montana sapphires real sapphires?
A Montana sapphire is, simply, a sapphire from Montana. Yogo sapphires are also Montana sapphires, but originate from a particular deposit known for its excellent cornflower blue color. Both sapphires and rubies are gem-quality corundum. Rubies are the red variety, while all other colors are sapphires.
Are Montana sapphires durable?
Unique colors, high clarity, USA-born status, and great durability make Montana Sapphires shine. Montana Sapphires are part of the larger gem family “corundum.” Corundum is a hard stone, at a 9 out of 10 on the Mohs scale, making it very durable to wear in jewelry.
Where do I dig Yogo sapphires?
Yogo sapphires are mined in Montana at Yogo Gulch, 12 miles southwest of Utica, 45 miles west-southwest of Lewistown and east of Great Falls. The yogo sapphire mine site resides inside Judith Basin County and was carved out from parts of western Ferguson and eastern Cascade counties.
What kind of rock are Yogo sapphires found in?
igneous
They are found in a system of igneous intrusions called dikes. There are six main dikes that form the centre of the Yogo sapphire deposit. All are composed of a type of igneous rock called a lamprophyre.
Why are Montana sapphires so expensive?
Due to the limited resources for the Montana sapphires, a majority of the natural Montana sapphires will be under 1ct. To be specific, the majority is under 1/2ct and a very limited supply of the sapphires are over 1ct, which makes the stone substantially more expensive per carat.
Why are Montana sapphires special?
Strict guidelines for mining in the states means that Montana sapphires have much less of an impact on the Earth than stones from nearly anywhere else. Mostly found in the western half of the state, these gorgeous gems are famous for their rich and unusual colors.
Do sapphires crack easily?
What this means for the sapphire, is that it is an inherently strong gemstone, not prone to scratching, breaking, chipping, cracking, or affected by another type of abrasion. They can be polished to a bright sheen and can take the stress of everyday wear.
How much are Yogo sapphires worth?
Because of their fine quality, the price differential between Yogo and other fancy Montana sapphires can be significant. Baide said that other Montana sapphires can average about $1,000 per carat, compared with somewhere around $10,000 per carat for a Yogo sapphire.
Can you pan for sapphires?
Fossicking for Sapphires & Zircons Find an area near the creek where others have been digging, dig 2 or 3 small shovel loads of soil or muddy smallish grained rocks and clay into a large pan or bucket. Throw any larger rocks out after checking they are not sapphires or coloured stones.
Where are Yogo sapphires?
History and Information about Yogo Sapphires Yogo sapphires are a variety of corundum found only in Yogo Gulch, part of the Little Belt Mountains in Judith Basin County, Montana, United States, on land once inhabited by the Piegan Blackfeet people.
