Garnet Gallery
Nevada City, MT
Thursday, July 22, 2010

Montana is known for its minerals and gemstones. This roadside operation, sitting alone several miles west of Nevada City, specialized in garnets.

Inspecting the Bling
Nevada City, MT
Thursday, July 22, 2010

Garnet Earrings
Nevada City, MT
Thursday, July 22, 2010

We had originally planned to find our own garnets along the shores of Ruby River Reservoir. Unfortunately, the water level was unusually high, concealing any garnets that would have otherwise been exposed. Not to worry, though; Garnet Gallery lets customers sift through garnet-rich soil right on site—or cut to the chase and buy garnet jewelry that had already been cut and polished.

I Like This One
Nevada City, MT
Thursday, July 22, 2010

More Minerals
Nevada City, MT
Thursday, July 22, 2010

Garnet is not the only thing mined in the area. This table held samples of other gemstones and minerals.

Searching for a Garnet in a Rock Pile
Nevada City, MT
Thursday, July 22, 2010

The Boy and His Bag of Loot
Nevada City, MT
Thursday, July 22, 2010

I'm always impressed by how friendly folks are in Montana. The proprietor of Garnet Gallery gave Lewis a small baggie of tiny red gemstones. I would guess about half of them are now stuck in crevices under the back seat of my truck.

Mimi at MacKenzie River Pizza Company
Bozeman, MT
Thursday, July 22, 2010

Mimi looks a little tired in this image but she’d be fine once she got a little pizza in her. If you're every in the Bozeman area and you want some awesome pizza, head over to the MacKenzie River Pizza Company.

previous image set: Virginia City, Montana
next image set: Beartooth Highway, Montana-Wyoming