Snowbird Mine

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Cedar Creek Mining District, Mineral County, Montana, USA

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Key Information

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  • The Snowbird Mine is located in Cedar Creek Mining District, Mineral County, Montana, USA, near Alberton, with coordinates 46° 46' 45'' N, 114° 47' 35'' W.

  • It was mined for fluorite from 1956 to 1957 and features minerals like Parisite-(Ce) and Xenotime-(Y), which are rare and appealing to collectors.

  • The mine formed in the Cretaceous period from hydrothermal fluids, interacting with Belt Supergroup metasedimentary rocks, previously thought to be a carbonatite deposit.

  • Mineral County has a small, rural population with European ancestry, and the area is known for its montane forest ecosystem and outdoor recreation.

  • The climate is mild and dry, with warm summers around 83°F and cold winters with lows of 19°F, receiving 26 inches of rain and 89 inches of snow annually.

Geographic Location

The Snowbird Mine sits in the Cedar Creek Mining District, Mineral County, Montana, USA, about 16 miles southwest of Superior. Its exact location is at 46° 46' 45'' North, 114° 47' 35'' West, placing it near Alberton in a mountainous region. Mineral County, a narrow slice along the Bitterroot Mountains bordering Idaho, is part of the Rocky Mountain area, with the Clark Fork River running through it. Nearby, the district is known for gold placers, adding to its appeal for mineral enthusiasts.

Minerals and Geological Interest

The mine is famous for fluorite, mined between 1956 and 1957, but also hosts a variety of rare minerals like Parisite-(Ce) and Xenotime-(Y), which are particularly exciting for collectors. Other minerals include Allanite Group, Ankerite, Annabergite, Biotite, Calcite, Dolomite, Fluocerite, Gersdorffite, Goethite, Limonite, Magnetite, Millerite, Muscovite, Pentahydrite, Pyrite, Quartz, Rutile, and Sulphur. Geologically, it formed in the Cretaceous from hydrothermal fluids from the Idaho batholith, interacting with Belt Supergroup metasedimentary rocks, and was once thought to be a carbonatite deposit, adding an unexpected layer of geological history.

Mining History and Cultural Context

Mining at Snowbird occurred briefly from 1956 to 1957, also known historically as Fish Creek and Alberton. Mineral County, with a 2020 population of 4,535, has a predominantly European-descended community, with significant German, Irish, and English ancestry. Its economy ties to mining, forestry, and growing tourism, with outdoor activities like fishing and hiking popular, reflecting a small-town, nature-loving culture.

Climate and Ecology

The climate is mild and dry, with summer highs around 83°F in July and winter lows of 19°F in January, receiving 26 inches of rain and 89 inches of snow annually, with December being the snowiest at 23.6 inches. Ecologically, it's part of Montana's montane forest, featuring coniferous forests like ponderosa pine and cedar, with riparian zones along rivers supporting diverse wildlife, including mule deer and bald eagles, enhancing its appeal for nature enthusiasts.

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