Gold Rush Days-Virginia City, Mt.

As the story goes, in the spring of 1863, a group of prospectors were on their way to the Yellowstone River but were detained by Crow Indians. After being released, they returned via a different route and camped near what is now Virginia City, Mt. While camped in Alder Gulch, they decided to do a bit of panning—and struck gold almost immediately.

Recognizing the richness of the find, they tried to keep it secret. But word quickly spread, and within weeks, thousands of miners flooded the area.

By late 1863, a boomtown sprang up named Virginia City, and it soon became the territorial capital and a major hub in Montana’s early history.

The gold strike at Alder Gulch was one of the richest placer gold discoveries in U.S. history, yielding an estimated $30 million (in 1860s dollars) in just a few years.

It make's one think that Gold has a metaphysical quality, which is the ability to drive people crazy to get it!!

The Healing Power of Amythyst

A quarter is shown at the base for scale.

Amethyst is widely cherished for its soothing energy and profound spiritual significance. Often referred to as the "stone of tranquility," it is believed to calm the mind, ease anxiety, and help release negative thoughts. In spiritual practice, amethyst is said to open the third eye a. nd crown chakras, enhancing intuition and deepening meditation. Many use it during mindfulness rituals to promote clarity and connect with higher realms of consciousness.

Amethyst’s healing energy is thought to assist with emotional balance, making it a popular choice for those navigating grief, heartache, or emotional turmoil. For example, keeping an amethyst crystal under your pillow is believed to encourage restful sleep and ward off nightmares, while carrying a small piece in your pocket may offer grounding support in stressful situations.

This violet gemstone has also been linked to sobriety and clarity—ancient Greeks believed it protected against intoxication. Today, it's often used as a symbol of inner strength and spiritual protection. Whether worn as jewelry, placed in a sacred space, or simply held during quiet reflection, amethyst invites a gentle sense of peace and deeper awareness of one’s spiritual path.

Elkhorn Mt. Volcanics in Montana

Collected near Winston, Mt.

Did you know a lot of Montana has undergone Volcanic eruptions in the past?

One prime example of this is the Elkhorn Mountains of Montana! The Elkhorn Mountain Volcanics in southwestern Montana are part of an ancient volcanic area that formed around 75 million years ago. These rocks are mostly made of andesite and dacite, which are types of lava that cooled and hardened. What makes them special is their "porphyry" texture—meaning they have big crystals like quartz or feldspar scattered through a much finer, smoother rock background. This creates a beautiful, speckled look that collectors and rockhounds love.

Volcanic porphyries like these are pretty rare, especially ones that are easy to see and collect on the surface. Because the Elkhorn Mountains are rugged and remote, these rocks aren’t commonly found in stores or shows, making them even more valuable to those who appreciate unique geological pieces. These volcanic rocks tell a fascinating story of Montana’s explosive past—and they look great on a shelf, too.

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