The search for amethyst in Colorado has a way of capturing a rockhound’s imagination, blending the thrill of exploration with the state’s famously dramatic geology.
Colorado’s mountains and volcanic formations tell a long story of heat, pressure, and mineral-rich fluids. These conditions sometimes create pockets of beautifully colored amethyst.
But while Colorado is rich in geological variety, amethyst isn’t found just anywhere. To turn your curiosity into actual finds, it helps to know which spots consistently reward collectors.
Knowing these places might help you increase your chances of a successful amethyst hunt!
What is Colorado Amethyst?
Photo provided by and crystals available for purchase at Sweetiee Designs
Amethyst is a type of quartz that comes in beautiful shades of purple, ranging from pale lilac to deep violet. It’s a popular gemstone for jewelry and decor, not only because of its stunning color but also because of its spiritual and healing properties. Some believe wearing or holding amethyst can promote clarity of mind and inner peace.
In Colorado, amethyst is primarily found in the western part of the state, near Buena Vista. The area’s geology is favorable for forming amethyst geodes, spherical rocks with a hollow cavity lined with crystals. These geodes can be found in volcanic rock formations, requiring a keen eye and geological knowledge. But once you find one, it’s like finding a hidden treasure!
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 deep experience and understanding of our team about the area
- Recommendations from local groups and clubs
- How easy it is to get the a particular location
- Safety and potential hazards when collecting
- Weighing private and public locations
- The ability for both experienced and novice amethyst enthusiasts to find great samples
With these factors in mind we’ve been able to put together a fantastic list that just about anyone can use!
The Best Spots To Find Amethyst in Colorado
Here are our top suggestions on where to look for amethyst in the state. It has numerous unusual locations where you can find gems in Colorado, but only a handful are highly effective for finding amethyst. Despite some of these areas not being well-known, we found exciting choices there while looking.
Always Confirm Access and Collection Rules!
Before heading out to any of the locations on our list you need to confirm access requirements and collection rules for both public and private locations directly with the location. We haven’t personally verified every location and the access requirements and collection rules often change without notice.
Many of the locations we mention will not allow collecting but are still great places for those who love to find beautiful rocks and minerals in the wild without keeping them. We also can’t guarantee you will find anything in these locations since they are constantly changing.
Always get updated information directly from the source ahead of time to ensure responsible rockhounding. If you want even more current options it’s always a good idea to contact local rock and mineral clubs and groups
Crystal Hill Mine
Crystal Hill Mine, located in the beautiful San Juan Mountains of Colorado, is a popular destination for rockhounds and gem enthusiasts looking to discover amethysts. The mine is situated in a picturesque valley surrounded by majestic mountains, making it an excellent location to spend a day exploring nature and finding treasures.
What makes Crystal Hill Mine unique is its accessibility. The mine is easily accessible by car and offers amenities such as restrooms, picnic tables, and shade structures, making it an excellent location for a day trip. Additionally, the mine offers guided tours led by knowledgeable staff who can provide information on the area’s geology and help visitors locate the best spots for amethysts.
Get informed with the most recent Colorado collecting laws before bringing anything home.
Where we found amethyst in Crystal Hill Mine
You can locate amethysts at the area dumps and slopes of Crystal Hill Mine. For more instruction, check out our guide on how to find amethyst in and outside of the state.
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Devil’s Head
Devil’s Head, located in the Rampart Range of the Colorado Rockies, is a popular destination for rockhounds and gem enthusiasts seeking to discover amethysts. This area is well known for producing high-quality amethyst specimens, making it an ideal location to explore nature and discover treasures.
What makes Devil’s Head particularly appealing is its stunning natural beauty. The area offers breathtaking views of the mountains and the surrounding forests. With its unique geological formations and abundant amethyst specimens, this area is a must-visit for anyone interested in rockhounding and gem collecting.
Where we found amethyst in the Devil’s Head
Amethysts can be found in small veins and pockets within granite rock formations of Devil’s Head. You can check out the amethyst price in our thorough guide.
Red Elephant Mountain
Red Elephant Mountain near Manitou Springs in Colorado is a popular destination for rockhounds and gem enthusiasts looking to discover amethysts. This area is renowned for having many amethyst specimens and breathtaking natural beauty, making it the perfect place to find precious gems and other minerals.
The area is characterized by towering red sandstone formations, giving it a unique and striking appearance. Red Elephant Mountain is easily accessible by car and offers amenities such as parking, restrooms, and picnic tables, making it an ideal location for a day trip. The area suits visitors of all skill levels, from novice rockhounds to experienced gem collectors.
Where we found amethyst in the Red Elephant Mountain
At Red Elephant Mountain, amethysts can be found in several locations throughout the area. One of the most popular locations is the Garden of the Gods, where amethysts can be found in small veins and pockets within the sandstone rock formations.
Rim Rock Drive
Rim Rock Drive is a scenic road that winds through the Colorado National Monument and offers a unique opportunity to explore the area’s stunning natural beauty while searching for amethysts. This road is a popular destination for rockhounds and gem enthusiasts looking to discover the hidden treasures within the rocks.
Rim Rock Drive is a great location to search for amethysts is the abundance of geological formations and rock layers in the area. The terrain can be challenging, but with the right equipment and determination, anyone can have a successful day of rockhounding. Plus, the drive offers stunning views of the mountains and the surrounding landscape, making it a memorable experience for all.
Where we found amethyst in Rim Rock Drive
Amethysts can be found in several rock types, including sandstone, limestone, and granite. You can explore the areas along the drive and search for amethysts in the rock formations.
Willow Creek
Willow Creek is a picturesque Colorado area popular among rockhounds and gem enthusiasts. The area is characterized by a creek that winds through the stunning natural landscape, allowing you to search for amethysts in the surrounding rock formations.
Willow Creek is the perfect place to spend a day outdoors because it provides a stunning view of the mountains and the surrounding woodlands. Rockhounds of various skill levels can easily access the area.
Where we found amethyst at Willow Creek
You can find amethyst crystals in all the regional silver mines around Willow Creek, where they produce both amethyst crystals and clusters in their dumps.
Other Great Places To Mine For Amethyst in Colorado
Our recommendations by county
Although we’ve already given our top picks for the best amethyst spots in Colorado, we can still recommend plenty of other spots. To make things easier, we’ve listed them down by county below.
| County | Location |
| Archuleta | Along Wolf Creek Pass |
| Chaffee | McNasser Gulch |
| Clear Creek | Dixie Mine |
| Clear Creek | Little Giant Mine |
| Clear Creek | Trail Creek gravels |
| Clear Creek | Silver Creek |
| Douglas | Pikes Peak |
| Fremont | Little Badger Creek |
| Fremont | McClure Mountain |
| Fremont | Twelvemile Park |
| Gunnison | Elk Mountain |
| Larimer | Pennoyer Amethyst Mine |
| Mineral | Commodore Mine |
| Mineral | Amethyst Lode |
| Mineral | King Solomon Sunnyside Mines |
| Mineral | Last Chance Mine |
| Mineral | Park Regent Mine |
| Mineral | Mammoth Mine |
| Park | Crystal Peak |
| Rio Grande | Rio Grande River |
| San Juan | Gold Lake |
| Teller | Cripple Creek |
Additional areas you can find amethyst
We want to help you search because Colorado is such a large state. You should search the significant and more focused places where amethysts are typically discovered that are described below.
Mines and mine dumps
Mines and mine dumps are great places to find amethyst specimens for collectors due to their geological formations and history of mining activities. Amethysts can be found in various rock formations, including granite, basalt, and volcanic rocks, often in or near mining areas.
Many abandoned mines and mine dumps have become popular among rockhounds and gem enthusiasts seeking to discover amethyst specimens. These areas may have been mined for other minerals, leaving behind discarded rock material that can be searched for amethysts.
Sediment deposits
Roadcuts are excellent places for collectors to find amethysts for several reasons. Roadcuts are created when roads are built through rock formations, exposing previously hidden rock layers. This exposure can reveal amethyst deposits that were previously inaccessible.
Sediment deposits offer a unique opportunity to explore the natural beauty of an area while discovering the treasures hidden within the rocks. With some research and preparation, collectors can have a successful day of rockhounding and uncover some stunning amethyst specimens in the process.
Streams and creeks
Streams and creeks are great locations to find amethyst specimens for collectors. Over time, water can erode and transport rock materials, including amethysts, and deposit them in the streambeds and banks. As a result, these areas can be rich in minerals and gems, including amethysts.
One of the advantages of searching for amethysts in streams and creeks is the accessibility of the areas. Many streams and creeks can be easily accessed by foot or by car and are suitable for collectors of all skill levels. Additionally, the running water can help to uncover amethysts that may be hidden in the sediment.
Common Amethyst-Hunting Questions
Responding to the frequently asked questions about amethysts in Colorado, including those listed is important below:
Where can you find amethyst geodes in Colorado?
Amethyst geodes are abundant in the sands and gravels of the Rio Grande River in Rio Grande County.
Is it illegal to collect amethyst in Colorado?
As long as you abide by local regulations, Colorado permits amethyst collection. If you’re in a public area, follow all the rules that may be in force. Be sure you have permission if you’re on private property.
The Best Places To Buy Amethyst In Colorado
Looking for amethysts while spending hours in the woods is not something that everyone finds enjoyable. Sometimes, you only need an excellent and unique display or something to add to your collection. The rock shops where you can purchase amethyst crystals are listed below.
- The Crystal Garden – 27925 CO-74, Evergreen, CO 80439
- Crystal Haven – 311 E County Line Rd unit a-3, Littleton, CO 80122
- Crystal Joys – 372 Main St, Longmont, CO 80501
- Denver Crystals and Gems – 220 S Broadway, Denver, CO 80209
- Moon Mountain Gems Rock & Crystal Shop – 338 S 2nd St, Grand Junction, CO 81501
Additional places to find amethyst in nearby states
After visiting each place on the list above, you can use the guides we’ve provided below to find more amethysts in nearby states if you’re also planning to travel there:
If you have any recommendations for our list, please leave a comment below!
