Sapphires are found mostly in the Western part of the Big Sky State, and are the official gemstone of the state of Montana. Once thrown away by gold miners in the gold rush days, sapphires are now America's most valuable gemstone. Believed to protect from evil and sickness, sapphires are considered to be the stone of wisdom and thought to bring serenity, peace of mind and concentration. Made of the mineral corundum, sapphires are a 9 out of 10 on the Mohs scale, making them extremely durable and long-lasting. First discovered by miners in the 1860s, the pretty colorful pebbles were largely ignored until the 1890s when London gem merchants began to take an interest in them. Appreciated for their beautiful coloring and lustrous appearance, Montana sapphires are highly regarded as ethically sourced gems with an easily traceable supply chain, naturally fair trade and conflict-free guarantee. Montana Sapphires can be found in green, blue, lavender, purple, yellow, and pink, making them a versatile centerpiece gemstone in engagement rings, earrings, and pendants. As a socially conscious American-made gem, Montana sapphires are increasingly becoming the go-to gemstone choice for savvy millennials seeking to buy local with an earth-friendly footprint.