Crazy Sphinx Mine (Dry Gulch; Crazy Sphinx claim)
Helena, Helena Mining District (Spring Hill Mining District), Lewis and Clark County, Montana, USA
Key Information
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The Crazy Sphinx Mine is located 5 km southwest of Helena, Montana, USA, in Lewis and Clark County, part of the Helena Mining District.
It produces minerals like spinel, gahnite, and tourmaline, with blue spinel being particularly notable for collectors.
The mine is a skarn deposit, formed by magma interacting with carbonate rocks, within a region rich in sedimentary and igneous geology.
It is currently owned by Pete Knudsen, with the claim last updated in 2020, suggesting small-scale activity.
Helena’s mining history dates back to the 19th century, and the area has a vibrant mineral collecting community.
Location and Accessibility
The Crazy Sphinx Mine is conveniently situated just 5 km southwest of Helena, the capital of Montana, making it accessible for enthusiasts. Helena is in the Rocky Mountain region, offering scenic views and proximity to other mineral sites like the Montana Blue Jewel Mine and Gem Mountain Sapphire Mine (Mindat.org).
Minerals and Collectibility
This mine is known for its diverse mineralogy, including calcite, clinochlore, clintonite, diopside, elbaite (a type of tourmaline), epidote, gahnite, grossular, meionite, muscovite, phlogopite, plagioclase, spinel, stilbite subgroup, and vesuvianite. Blue spinel crystals, rare and lustrous, are especially prized by collectors, adding an unexpected allure for those seeking unique specimens.
Geological Context
The mine is a skarn deposit, formed when hot fluids from magma interact with limestone, creating a rich mineral environment. The area’s geology includes sedimentary rocks from the Algonkian Belt series and igneous intrusions like quartz monzonite, contributing to its mineral diversity.
Historical and Ownership Details
The Helena mining district has a rich history, with gold and silver mining starting in 1864. The Crazy Sphinx Mine, owned by Pete Knudsen, had its claim last updated in 2020, indicating it remains active for small-scale mining or specimen collection, reflecting the region’s ongoing mineral interest.
Cultural and Environmental Notes
Helena’s culture is deeply tied to mining, with the Helena Mineral Society promoting mineral study. The continental climate, with cold winters and warm summers, influences exploration times, set against a backdrop of forests and mountains that enhance the mining experience.