With a stunning hue that ranges from pale lilac to deep violet, Amethyst has been highly-valued throughout history for its beauty. Apart from its aesthetic appeal, it’s also well-loved for its purported healing and spiritual properties.

Its popularity remains today as it continues to be used in everything, from eye-catching jewelry to one-of-a-kind sculptures and home decor.

But with its beauty comes the difficulty of finding it. While Amethyst can be found in many parts of the world, discovering this gem in its natural environment can be challenging.

Without the right guidance, it can be difficult to know where to look or how to identify high-quality specimens. Amethyst mining can also be physically demanding and can require navigating rugged terrain or working in difficult conditions.

That’s why we’ve created this guide to help you discover this beautiful gem and enjoy the experience of exploring the natural world at the same time. Are you ready?

What is California Amethyst?

Amethyst is a beautiful and unique gemstone that belongs to the quartz family. It’s characterized by its stunning purple hue caused by the presence of iron and other trace elements in its crystal structure.

As we’ve mentioned above, Amethyst can be found in many parts of the world, including Brazil, Uruguay, and Zambia. In the United States, in naturally occurs in several locations, including California. When you want to find amethyst near you living in California is a big perk!

Typically found in geodes or as individual crystals, the Amethyst in California is typically a deep violet color, which means they are highly prized by collectors and jewelry makers. Let’s find out where exactly these natural wonders can be discovered here in our state.

The Different Types Of Amethyst And What They Look Like

Different environments contribute to the diverse appearances and types of this beautiful mineral.

The variety seen in amethyst is due to trace elements and impurities within the crystal structure. Elements like iron and manganese can alter the hue, leading to the beautiful spectrum of purples and other colors found in these crystals.

Brandberg Amethyst

Brandberg amethyst is a captivating variety of quartz, renowned for its unique blend of elements like silicon dioxide, iron, and trace amounts of other minerals.

These components come together to form a crystal that not only holds geological significance but also showcases a striking array of hues and features.

The appearance of Brandberg amethyst is truly remarkable, characterized by its color range from deep purples to vibrant lilacs.

The varying shades are a result of the iron content within the crystal structure, which can fluctuate, leading to diverse color intensities and patterns in each specimen.

Brandberg amethyst stands out for its inclusion patterns and the presence of phantom crystals within its structure.

These internal “ghosts” are formed by layers of other minerals, offering a glimpse into the crystal’s growth history and adding to its allure for those fascinated by the wonders of the natural world.

Ametrine

Ametrine is an intriguing mineral that captures the imagination of those interested in rocks and minerals. This unique gem is a combination of two quartz varieties: amethyst and citrine.

The beauty of ametrine lies in its striking coloration, which ranges from a blend of vibrant purple and golden yellow.

This color variation is a result of differing oxidation states of iron within the crystal, influenced by temperature and radiation exposure during formation.

Ametrine is notable for its distinct zoning of colors, where purple and yellow hues can be clearly seen in the same crystal. This feature, combined with its unique composition, sets ametrine apart from different kinds of amethyst.

Chevron Amethyst

Chevron amethyst is a captivating type of amethyst known for its distinctive pattern. It’s easily recognized by its unique V-shaped or chevron patterns, which are a combination of deep purple and white or clear quartz layers.

These patterns and color variations are due to differences in iron content and other impurities in the layers, resulting in the striking contrast seen in chevron amethyst.

Chevron amethyst is not only beautiful but also a subject of interest for its formation process. The alternating layers of colors provide a visual record of the crystal’s growth history, making it a fascinating example for geological study.

Auralite

Auralite is an intriguing type of mineral that’s a combination of amethyst and several other trace minerals. Its composition includes silicon dioxide from amethyst, along with a mixture of elements like iron, copper, and titanium.

This mineral’s appearance is quite distinct, often showing a deep purple hue similar to what amethyst looks like, but with additional layers or inclusions of other colors.

These variations in color are due to the various trace minerals present in auralite, each contributing to its unique and colorful display.

A standout feature of auralite is the presence of multiple minerals within a single specimen, sometimes including up to 23 different types.

This mix not only gives auralite its diverse color range but also makes it a fascinating subject for those studying minerals and their properties.

Prasiolite

Prasiolite is an interesting variety of quartz. It often contains traces of iron, which play a key role in giving prasiolite its unique color.

This mineral is known for its beautiful green color, which can range from a light, almost transparent green to a deeper, more olive shade.

The green color of prasiolite is usually the result of heat treatment, either occurring naturally in the earth or artificially, transforming certain types of amethyst or yellowish quartz into prasiolite.

Naturally-occurring prasiolite is rare, as most available prasiolite is created through artificial means.

Cacoxenite amethyst

Cacoxenite is an intriguing mineral primarily composed of iron, aluminum, and phosphate, along with other elements like oxygen and hydrogen. This combination of elements gives cacoxenite its unique chemical makeup and properties.

Cacoxenite typically exhibits a striking golden-yellow to brownish-yellow color. This coloration is mainly due to the presence of iron in its structure, which imparts the rich hues that characterize this mineral.

A notable feature of cacoxenite is that it often forms as an inclusion within other minerals, such as amethyst, creating a beautiful contrast.

These inclusions of cacoxenite can appear as radiating or feathery formations, adding an intricate and fascinating aspect to the host mineral.

Phantom Amethyst

Phantom amethyst is a fascinating variety of amethyst. It stands out due to the presence of “phantoms” – ghost-like inclusions within its structure, which give it a distinct and layered look.

In phantom amethyst, one can observe a range of colors from deep purples to lighter hues, often appearing in layers or as phantom shapes within the crystal.

These color variations are typically due to trace amounts of iron and other minerals that get trapped during the crystal’s growth, influencing its final color.

Phantom amethyst provides a visual record of the crystal’s growth history. The crystal outlines and layers within the stone are formed by pauses in the crystal’s growth, offering a glimpse into geological processes over time.

Pink Amethyst

Pink amethyst is a unique and relatively rare variety of the common mineral amethyst. The presence of trace elements, particularly iron, contributes to its distinct pink hue.

The appearance of pink amethyst ranges from a delicate, light pink to a deeper, more vivid pink.

This variation in color is largely due to the concentration and distribution of iron within the crystal, which affects how light interacts with the mineral.

Pink amethyst is its often found in geodes or clusters, where multiple crystals grow together in a captivating display.

Amethyst Geodes

Amethyst geodes are fascinating natural formations, with traces of iron giving them their famous purple color. These geodes form in volcanic rocks and are essentially hollow, lined with amethyst crystals.

A key feature of amethyst geodes is their crystal-lined cavity, which creates a stunning natural display. When you look inside an amethyst geode, you’ll see a range of purple hues, from light lavender to deep violet.

The color variation is due to the amount of iron and the specific conditions under which the crystals formed, such as temperature and the presence of other trace elements.

Geodes can vary greatly in size, from small enough to fit in your hand to large enough to stand in, and each one is unique in its crystal formation and color pattern.

Cactus Amethyst

Cactus amethyst is also known as spirit quartz. Its unique structure is enriched with additional minerals, which contribute to its distinctive appearance.

This type of amethyst is characterized by a central quartz crystal covered in smaller crystal growths, giving it a spiky, cactus-like appearance.

The color ranges from pale lilac to deep purple, with the variations largely influenced by the amount of iron and other trace elements within the crystals.

A notable feature of cactus amethyst is the way the smaller crystals radiate outward from the central crystal.

This formation not only creates a stunning visual effect but also makes each piece of cactus amethyst a unique and fascinating specimen.

Regarding the price of amethyst, it can vary significantly based on the size, quality, and depth of color. While smaller, less vibrant pieces are relatively affordable, larger specimens with deep, rich colors can be quite valuable.

Scepter Amethyst

Scepter amethyst gets its name from its distinctive scepter-like formation, where a larger crystal cap sits atop a smaller crystal stem.

The color variations in scepter amethyst are influenced by the amount of iron and other trace elements within the crystal, coupled with the specific conditions under which it formed.

A key feature of scepter amethyst is its symbolic scepter shape, representing a crystal formation process where a second phase of growth occurs on an already-formed crystal base. This creates a striking and regal scepter-like appearance.

Smoky Amethyst

Smoky amethyst is a unique variation among amethyst types that combines features of both smoky quartz and amethyst. The presence of trace elements like iron and aluminum gives it its unique coloration.

This mineral exhibits a blend of smoky brown and purple hues, creating a captivating visual effect. This is due to natural irradiation and the varying amounts of impurities, which influence the depth and intensity of both the smoky and purple colors.

A notable feature of smoky amethyst is its dual-tone appearance, which is not commonly found in other quartz varieties.

The Best Spots To Find Amethyst in California

With a state as big as ours, it’s no surprise that there are plenty great places to mine gems here in California. But not all of these have Amethysts in them, too. So to help you have a successful time mining California Amethyst, we’ll point you to some of the most remarkable places here.

Shelter Cove

Located in Northern California is a hidden gem that offers visitors breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and rugged coastline. Shelter Cove’s terrain is varied, with rocky cliffs, sandy beaches, and dense forests all within a short distance of each other.

With a mix of volcanic and sedimentary rock formations, there are pretty impressive sights here in Shelter Cove. One of the most interesting things about this place is that it’s one of the few places in our state where you can find Amethyst.

To reach this place, you’ll need to drive and do a bit of trekking. But once you arrive, you’ll be rewarded right away with the stunning scenery and opportunities to find Amethyst. Just be sure to bring your hiking boots, a good sense of adventure, and a great grasp of our local collecting guidelines.

Where we found amethyst in Shelter Cove

You can find Amethyst by exploring Locality No. 3 in Point Delgada, Shelter Cove. This area is within the cove’s Coastal Range.

DON'T MISS OUT ON ANY GREAT FINDS!

While you're out searching for Amethyst you're going to find A LOT of other interesting rocks and minerals along the way. The last thing you want to do is toss out something really interesting or valuable. It can be easy to misidentify things without a little guidance.

We've put together a fantastic field guide that makes identifying 140 of the most interesting and valuable rocks and minerals you will find REALLY EASY. It's simple to use, really durable, and will allow you to identify just about any rock and mineral you come across. Make sure you bring it along on your hunt!

San Bernardino County

San Bernardino County is a diverse and expansive region located in Southern California. It’s home to a variety of landscapes, including mountains, deserts, and forests.

With its varied terrain, this county has plenty of opportunities for outdoor exploration. You can hike through the San Bernardino Mountains or go off-roading in the Mojave Desert. It also has a fascinating geology, with a mix of rock formations and minerals that date back millions of years. And one of them is Amethyst!

Deposits of Amethyst in San Bernardino County have a deep purple color that’s hard to find elsewhere. Whether you’re a seasoned rockhound or just looking for a unique souvenir, you won’t want to miss the chance to finding them here.

Where we found amethyst at San Bernardino County

There are different specific spots that you can explore here in San Bernardino County to discover Amethyst, such as:

• Amethyst Queen claim in Beck Spring
• Beck Mine
• Purple Heart Mine

You might be asking yourself, “Is Amethyst expensive?” Well, we’ve done an article on that, too, so make sure you check it out.

Hauser Geode Beds

Hauser Geode Beds is a popular spot among rockhounds and gem collectors in our state. Located in the Mojave Desert, this area is known for its unique geological formations and its variety of gems and minerals.

This remarkable place has a rocky and barren terrain, with plenty of sand and scrub brush. It has a mix of volcanic and sedimentary rock formations that create the perfect conditions for geodes, including Amethyst-bearing ones, to form.

So if you’re looking for this unique and beautiful gemstone, make sure to add the Hauser Geode Beds to your list of must-visit destinations. To go here, you’ll need to drive on some rough dirt roads and be prepared for the desert heat— all part of a fun and great Amethyst mining adventure!

Where we found amethyst in Hauser Geode Beds

You can find Amethyst in the different nooks and crannies of Hauser Geode Beds in Thumb Peak, Palo Verde Mountains, so we highly recommend really going around the area for exploration.

Village of Volcano

Volcano Village is a small community located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. The area is known for its rugged beauty and unique geology, with volcanic formations and mineral deposits that make it a popular destination for rockhounds and gem enthusiasts.

Volcano Village is hilly and forested, with plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation like hiking and camping. It also has a mix of volcanic and sedimentary rock formations where a variety of minerals and gems have formed, including the beautiful Amethyst.

Getting to this remarkable location is relatively easy, as it’s just a short drive from the historic Gold Rush town of Jackson.

Where we found amethyst at the Village of Volcano

Explore along the stream gravels of the Volcano Village in Amador County to find some stunning Amethyst specimens.

Crystal Ridge

Crystal Ridge in Johnson Spring is a remote and rugged area located in the eastern foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. It has a steep and rocky terrain, with plenty of scrub brush and sagebrush dotting the landscape.

Like our other recommended places above, Crystal Ridge has a mix of volcanic and sedimentary rock formations that sets the right conditions for Amethyst to occur.

Exploring Crystal Ridge can be a challenging but rewarding experience. The area is remote and largely undeveloped, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, camping, and rockhounding.

Where we found amethyst in Crystal Ridge

To find Amethyst in Crystal Ridge, make sure to really go around the area and explore its different spots.

Other Great Places To Mine For Amethyst in California

Since California is such a rich state when it comes to natural resources, there are many other different places here that you can explore to discover some stunning Amethyst gems. Below is a list of these places by county so you won’t have a hard time creating your itinerary based on it.

Our recommendations by county

Additional areas you can find amethyst

A handful of our recommended places above cover generally wide areas, so to help you focus your search, here are the areas where Amethysts typically abound. You may start you explorations here:

Streams and Creeks

Streams and creeks can be excellent places to find Amethyst because these waterways have the ability to transport rocks and minerals from their original source and deposit them elsewhere.

Amethyst often forms in veins or pockets within different kinds of rocks. Over time, erosion and weathering can break down these rocks and deposit the amethyst crystals in nearby streams and creeks.

Mines and Mine Dumps

Mines and mine dumps often contain large deposits of minerals and rocks that have been excavated from deep within the earth.

Amethyst crystals are frequently found in association with other minerals, such as quartz, calcite, and fluorite, which are also commonly mined. When these minerals are extracted, they can leave behind piles of rocks and tailings that contain Amethyst crystals.

Quarries

Quarries are typically located in areas that contain large deposits of rocks and minerals that have been excavated from deep within the earth. Amethyst is often found with other minerals that are commonly found in quarries. These minerals are often blasted or excavated from the quarry walls, creating large piles of rocks and debris that can contain amethyst crystals.

Pay-to-Dig Mines

Pay-to-dig mines offer a unique opportunity to explore and collect specimens from mines that have been specifically designed for public access. They are typically located in areas that are rich in minerals, and they offer collectors the chance to dig for Amethyst crystals in a safe and controlled environment.

Common Amethyst-Hunting Questions

We’ve already shared where to mine Amethyst here, and now, we’re answering some of the most common amethyst-hunting questions in California in case you have the same inquiries in mind:

Where can you find Amethyst Geodes in California?

Luckily, Amethyst Geodes abound in our state! You can find them in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Hauser Geode Beds, on the mountains near Santa Cruz, and at the Crystal Hill Mine in Santa Margarita.

Is it illegal to collect amethyst in California?

Collecting Amethyst in California is perfectly legal for as long as you do so in compliance with our local collecting guidelines. Also make sure that you are well-aware of any existing rules and regulations that protect the environment and biodiversity of the specific area that you will explore.

The Best Places To Buy Amethyst In California

If you’re looking for an Amethyst specimen to add to your collections, chances are, you have specific characteristics in mind. In that case, your best shot of finding this specimen is by visiting our local rock and gem shops here.

Below is a list of some of our favorite ones. Check out their awesome selections!

California Gemstones – 5500 Grossmont Center Dr Unit B2-56, La Mesa, CA 91942

L.A. Gem Shops – 560 S Los Angeles St Unit 208, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Gems of the West – 41223B Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

Cosmic Candace – 110 W Pontiac Way UNIT 104, Clovis, CA 93612

The Geode Shop – 8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620

Crystalarium – 534 N La Cienega Blvd Suite B, West Hollywood, CA 90048

Additional Places To Find Amethyst In Nearby States

Check out the guides we made for the nearby states where you can find amethysts as well:

• Amethyst in Oregon
• Amethyst in Nevada
• Amethyst in Arizona

If you have any recommendations for our list please leave a comment below!