With its captivating beauty and mystical allure, Amethyst has captivated the hearts of gem enthusiasts for centuries. This exquisite gem, known for its stunning violet hues, is highly sought-after for its mesmerizing appearance.
It’s a popular choice for jewelry and decorative pieces, symbolizing elegance, spirituality, and tranquility.
Connecticut, a state renowned for its natural wonders, harbors its own hidden treasures of Amethyst. However, discovering this gem here is a challenging activity, especially if you don’t have proper guidance.
With its abundance of forests, riverbeds, and geological formations, our state holds amazing potential for Amethyst discoveries. To help you in your journey to find this alluring gemstone, we created this guide that will point you to the legit spots that you can visit and explore to find Connecticut Amethysts. Let’s get started!
What is Connecticut Amethyst?
Belonging to the Quartz family, Amethyst is a remarkable gemstone renowned for its striking violet to purple coloration. It has a long and storied history so much so that it was even believed to have the power to protect against intoxication and promote sobriety in ancient times.
Aside from being prized for its mesmerizing color, it’s also valued for its spiritual and healing properties. It’s often associated with qualities such as calmness, balance, clarity of thought, and spiritual protection, making it a sought-after gemstone for jewelry, decorative items, and crystal healing practices.
While Amethyst is popular for being found in other countries, like Brazil, Uruguay, and Zambia, it might come as a surprise that it also occurs naturally in Connecticut. Though not widely known for its Amethyst deposits, our state actually houses a few noteworthy locations which we’ve discussed below.
- 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 Spot To Find Amethyst in Connecticut
While Connecticut abounds in gem mining sites, not all of them have Amethysts, too. So we did the hard (but fun!) work to scour our state for some of the best legit spots where you can find this purple wonder. Below are our highly-recommended spots for your next Amethyst hunting here!
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
Hartford County
Hartford County covers a diverse landscape that smoothly blends urban centers with natural beauty. It’s characterized by rolling hills, fertile valleys, and the majestic Connecticut River.
The western part of Hartford County features picturesque wooded areas with opportunities for outdoor exploration and recreational activities. As you move towards its central and eastern portion, the landscape transitions into more developed areas, including the bustling city of Hartford, the capital of Connecticut.
In terms of geology, Hartford County is part of the broader Connecticut Valley-Gaspe Synclinorium. It’s known for its geological diversity, with a variety of rock formations dating back to ancient times. You can find Amethyst deposits in different locations here, but it will require some exploration and the right guidance.
Before your visit, make sure to familiarize yourself with Connecticut’s collecting guidelines.
Where we found amethyst in Hartford County
Explore the following areas in this county to find stunning specimens of Amethyst:
- Quartz vein exposure in a stream near East Hill road
- East of West Peak close to New Haven County border
- Howe Quarry
- Case Quarries
- Huckleberry Hill
- Hart’s Lead Mine
- Hawthorne Drive
- Canton Lead Mines (Cherry Brook Lead Mine, Dyer Farm Zinc Mine)
- Roncari Quarry
- Farmington Trap Rock Quarry
- State Route 72 roadcut
- Berlin Turnpike (formerly Hartford Drive-In)
- Balf Quarry
- The Woodlands
- Plainville Trap Rock Quarry (Tilcon New Britain Quarry)
- State Route 372 construction site
- Clark Farm (Holler’s Mine)
The tools every amethyst hunter will need
When you're out looking for amethyst having the right tools for the job is really going to make or break your success. You don't need a lot for most trips but there are a handful that are critical and will make your life a lot easier.
We get asked a lot about the equipment we use. Over the years we've found a handful of tools that we recommend to both new and experienced amethyst hunters which we outline in great detail in our complete rockhounding tools and kit guide. These are quality options that also happen to be relatively inexpensive.
Below are the basic tools that make your life so much easier and save you a ton of time. Check out the full guide to see everything we recommend bringing. One quick note, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases but we try very hard to only recommend gear we would use ourselves and often recommend brands you can't find on Amazon.
At a minimum you should have:
1 - Sturdy rock hammer: The Estwing Rock Pick is our standard
2 - Rugged chisels: Try Kendo' 3-piece Chisel Set
3 - Compact shovel: The Koleiya 28-inch shovel works well
4 - Rock screen pan: The Wazakura Soil Sieve Set fits the bill
5 - Eye protection: DeWalt Safety Glasses are cheap and comfortable
6 - Head protection: Malta's Safety Helmet has been our go-to
7 - Jewelers lens with at least 20x magnification: Jarlink's Jewelers Loop is perfect
The amethyst-finding books that we use most
There are also a few books that have been extremely helpful in the search for gems. These books have great recommendations and tips:
National Audubon Society Field Guide to Rocks and Minerals: North America
Northeast Treasure Hunter's Gem & Mineral Guide
Earth Treasures: The Northeastern Quadrant
We provide links to find these tools on Amazon but some can also be found at your local hardware stores. For more recommendations check out the link to our full tool guide above.
Orenaug Hills
Located in the western part of our state, Orenaug Hills are a part of the broader Appalachian Highlands region. It’s a feast for the eyes with its rolling hills, forested areas, and scenic vistas that showcase the beauty of Connecticut’s countryside.
Orenaug Hills also have varied terrains, featuring wooded areas, rocky outcrops, and streams. This picturesque landscape provides ample opportunities for hiking, nature walks, and wildlife observation. Despite this, it’s relatively convenient to get to as it’s accessible via a network of highways.
With its beauty comes Orenaug Hills’ exhibit of rich geological history. The hills are blessed with a vast variety of rocks and minerals, including Amethyst.
Where we found amethyst in Orenaug Hills
You can find Amethyst in the different parts of Orenaug Hills, so make sure that you’re game for intense exploration when you visit here.
When you do find a specimen and you’re interested to know how much is Amethyst worth, you can checkout our pricing guide.
Reed’s Gap Quarry
Reed’s Gap Quarry is another legit destination for rockhounds and gem enthusiasts. Situated in the town of Durham in Middlesex County, this quarry offers a unique opportunity to discover the allure of Amethyst.
An interesting thing about Reed’s Gap Quarry is its central location within Connecticut. It’s nestled within a scenic landscape, featuring rolling hills and picturesque countryside views. The quarry itself is located amidst this serene environment, providing an immersive experience for visitors.
Reed’s Gap Quarry’s terrain showcases rocky outcrops and exposed geological formations. It has gained attention for its Amethyst specimens. If you’re planning to go here, you can easily do so by car via local roads and highways.
Where we found amethyst in Reed’s Gap Quarry
We recommend exploring the different nooks and crannies of Reed’s Gap Quarry to find Amethyst.
New Haven County
New Haven County offers a rich blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and cultural attractions. It has a diverse geography— stretching from the coastal areas along Long Island Sound to inland regions— marked by rolling hills and picturesque landscapes.
The coastal areas of New Haven County are characterized by sandy beaches, salt marshes, and estuaries, providing scenic vistas and recreational opportunities. As you move inland, its landscape transitions into wooded areas, small rivers, and verdant valleys.
As for its natural treasures, New Haven County exhibits a range of rock formations and geological diversity. There are a handful of locations within it where Amethyst specimens have been found. Lucky for you, this county benefits from excellent transportation infrastructure, so it is easily accessible by major highways.
Where we found amethyst in New Haven County
To find Amethysts, you can visit and explore the following areas of New Haven County:
- Cinque Quarry
- Foxon Quarry
- Highway 71 to road cut in Highway 6 in Meriden
- New Haven Traprock Quarry
- High Street and Interstate 95 interchange
- McLay Avenue
- Hubbard Park Quartz locality
- Meriden Trap Rock Quarry
- Pillow lava locality
- Southbury
- Bates’ Rock Road
- Heritage Village
- Sawteeth Acres
- Curtis Quarry
- Wallingford
- Salem
O & G Southbury Quarry
O & G Southbury Quarry is a notable destination for rockhounds and gem enthusiasts in search of Amethyst. Its close in distance to the picturesque countryside of Southbury. Surrounded by rolling hills and lush greenery, this quarry provides a serene and scenic setting for exploration and gem hunting.
The terrain of the O & G Southbury Quarry is marked by rocky outcrops and exposed geological formations, where you can find Amethyst. To go here, you can simply ride a car and travel via local roads and highways.
Where we found amethyst in O & G Southbury Quarry
The Amethyst deposits in O & G Southbury Quarry are scattered, so make sure you allot plenty of time for the exploration of its different areas when you go here.
Other Great Places To Mine For Amethyst in Connecticut
Our recommendations by county
Aside from our top recommendations, here are plenty other Amethyst-bearing sites that you can visit here in Connecticut.
| County | Location |
| Litchfield | Rockside Quarry |
| Litchfield | O & G Woodbury Traprock Quarry |
| Middlesex | Haddam |
| Middlesex | Strickland Quarry |
| New London | Route 11 road cuts |
| Tolland | Diamond Ledge |
| Tolland | Interstate 84 |
| Windham | Dayville |
| Windham | Moosup |
Additional areas you can find amethyst
To help you narrow down the areas you should checkout when you visit the places we recommended above, below are the usual spots where Amethysts can be found:
Quarries
Quarries are excellent spots to find Amethyst due to the abundance of exposed rock formations and mineral-rich deposits. The excavation activities here unearth layers of rock that would otherwise be hidden from view. This exposure increases your chances of discovering Amethyst specimens, along with other rocks and minerals.
Mines and Mine Dumps
Mines and mine dumps offer fruitful opportunities to discover Amethyst due to the abundance of mineral-rich deposits and the remnants left behind from mining activities.
Mines provide access to the heart of geological formations, where Amethyst crystals are often found, while mine dumps contain a wealth of materials that you can sift through for this gem.
Streams and creeks
Streams and creeks also offer excellent opportunities to find Amethyst due to the natural erosion processes that expose gemstones.
As water flows through the surrounding landscape, it gradually wears away rocks and minerals, carrying them downstream. This process reveals hidden Amethyst crystals that were once nestled within the earth. You can search along the banks or within the shallow waters to discover these sparkling treasures.
Common Amethyst-Hunting Questions
In this section, we’ll answer some of the most common questions asked by Amethyst hunters before they go on their journey. This information will come in handy especially when you’re planning your exploration, too.
Where can you find Amethyst Geodes in Connecticut?
While our state has abundant Amethyst deposits, Amethyst Geodes do not naturally occur here. But if you’re really keen on taking home on, you can visit some of our best local stores that offer wide selections of rocks and minerals. Checkout our list below.
Is it illegal to collect amethyst in Connecticut?
Collecting Amethyst in Connecticut is legal as long as its in compliance with our state’s collecting guidelines. In general, make sure you obtain any required permission or permit to be able to explore the area you’re planning to visit.
The Best Places To Buy Amethyst In Connecticut
If you’re looking for an Amethyst specimen with specific characteristics, it would be difficult to rely on luck that you’ll find it in the wild. You have better chances finding it by visiting our local gem shops.
Below are some of the best ones that we have:
A to Z Mineral Shop – 1650 Hartford-New London Turnpike, Oakdale, CT 06370
Borrowed Time Emporium – 352 Main St, Durham, CT 06422
Hidden Gem on Main – 33 N Main St suite d, Wallingford, CT 06492
Mondazzi Book, Bead & Crystal – 570 Hayden Station Rd Suite E&F, Windsor, CT 06095
Polaris Crystals – 438 Howe Ave, Shelton, CT 06484
Rock Garden – 17 S Main St, Branford, CT 06405
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:
If you have any recommendations for our list please leave a comment below!
