Montana oil and mining journal. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1931-1953, 1937-04-10

nous and are said to represent per
cent OF the total reserves of the world
Coal Is mined both by open pit anC
underground methods. In 1881, due u
economic conditions and to the increasing
domestic, commercial and industrial use
OF natural gas, coal mining suffered q
serious setback and has not yet recovered
! its former importance. Production in
1896 was only IS percent Of that in 1880
Gems and precious stones have long
been known In Montana, and the quality
| Of Montana sapphires is unsurpassed
even by oriental gems. Gem sapphire
production has been at a low ebb for
many years but each year an appre-
ciable quantity Of small sapphires Is re-
covered from placer operations in south
western Montana. These are used as
Jewel bearings in scientific instruments.
Moss agates found along the Yellowstone
river are cut and polished, mainly for
tourist trade.
Graphite occurs in several localities
but only one deposit in the Ruby noun
tains west OF Dillon, has been developed.
The graphite is produced according to the
demand.
Gypsum deposits of high grade are
widespread in central Montana. Much Of
1t is utilized in the manufacture OF gyp.
sum plasters. Active plants are located
at Hanover and Heath.
Lime another building material, is
derived from pure limestones. with which
Montana is well supplied. Production de-
activity In building construction.
Mineral waters of MOntana's many min
eral springs have long been valued for
their therapeutic properties, and much
OF ii is marketed each year
Gas and Gasoline
NATURAL gas production and consum-
tiOn has increased rapidly since its be-
ginning in 1915. Increase in industrial
and commercial activity during the year
should cause a marked increase in the
production of natural gas in 1896. There
are nine active gas fields in Montana.
Natural gasoline is being recovered
from natural gas in but one field the
Cut Bank field. Here, more than one
quart of gasoline is recovered from 1000
cubic feet Of gas in an absorption plant.
Petroleum production in 1896 was mark
ed by the addition OF one new field to
the list of producers. Oil was discovered
in commercial amounts on the MOser
dome southwest Of Billings late in 1896,
and a production of 1876 barrels was re-
ported.
Phosphate rock reserves in Montana
are large. At present rock mined in
Montana is shipped to Trail, B. c., for
manufacture into treble super phosphate.
Superphosphates at Anaconda are made
from Idaho rock.
Sand and gravel production has reach
ed a value Of several million dollars
weary owing to the extensive road building
program I'm Montana.
Stone production in Montana fluctuates
considerably, ranging from 100000 to
S5OOOOO yearly. Montana stone includes
granite sandstone, marble, travertine.
limestone and crushed rock. Beautiful
honey yellow travertine is quarried near
Manhattan and Gardiner and black and
gold marble Is quarried near Townsend.
Sulphuric acid Is produced from pyrite
concentrates at the Anaconda smeIter.
The acid is used in the manufacture of
superphOSphates
Vermicultte. one of the newst insu-
lating materials, is found in many places
in Montana, but at present only the Libby
deposits are being worked. This deposit
supplies practically all the United States
demand for this product. The demand
is rapidly growing and production keeps
pace with the demand
The mineral production is summarized
in the following table, preliminary fig
ures for which were obtained from the
United States bureau Of mines and other
sources: