Renowned for its captivating beauty and allure, Amethyst is a highly sought-after gemstone cherished by jewelry enthusiasts worldwide. Its exquisite purple hue, ranging from pale lilac to deep violet, is often associated with elegance, spirituality, and inner peace.
In the bustling metropolis of New York, finding Amethyst can be a daunting task without proper guidance. That’s why we’ve meticulously crafted a comprehensive guide to help you find Amethyst in this concrete jungle. Our guide offers valuable insights based on our own Amethyst-hunting experience and on the experiences of other rockhounds here.
Embrace the enchanting allure of this precious stone and embark on a journey to discover the mesmerizing beauty of Amethyst in the vibrant heart of New York City!
What is New York Amethyst?
Amethyst is a variety of quartz that often exhibits a clarity and brilliance that adds to its allure. This gem derives its purple color from trace amounts of iron and other impurities present during its formation. It has been treasured for centuries, with historical and cultural significance in various civilizations.
Amethyst can be found in several locations around the world, including Brazil, Uruguay, Russia, and Zambia. Interestingly, this captivating gemstone also occurs naturally in certain areas of New York.
Known for its rich geological diversity, deposits of Amethyst are scattered throughout New York. Here, we’ll share with you where these places are exactly.
- 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 New York
New York abounds in great spots for gem mining, but not all of them bear Amethysts naturally. In fact, there’s quite limited sites here where you can find this amazing gemstone. If you’re planning to go here to find the coveted Amethyst, better check out these places:
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
Toothaker Creek State Forest
Nestled in the scenic landscape of New York, Toothaker Creek State Park offers a tranquil retreat with its captivating geography and natural beauty. It spans over acres of diverse terrain, featuring rolling hills, verdant forests, and the picturesque Toothaker Creek flowing through its heart.
This area’s terrain has a mix of deciduous and coniferous forests, creating a captivating tapestry of colors during the changing seasons. The park’s geology is equally intriguing, with ancient rock formations, including shale and limestone, dating back millions of years.
When you go here after reviewing New York’s local collecting guidelines, you can venture into the park’s rocky outcrops and explore its streams and creeks to discover pockets of Amethyst. However, it’s important to note that finding one here requires patience, persistence, and a keen eye, as Amethyst may not be readily available in abundance.
Where we found amethyst in Toothaker Creek State Forest
Amethysts naturally occur in the prospects of Toothaker Creek State Forest.
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.
Carbola Mine
Carbola Mine is historic mine that offers rockhounds a unique opportunity to explore its geological wonders and potentially uncover the coveted gemstone, Amethyst.
Located in an area renowned for its rich mineral deposits, the mine is characterized by its rugged terrain and rocky outcrops. Its geography showcases a mix of rolling hills, dense forests, and rocky slopes, providing an enchanting backdrop for exploration. The terrain can be challenging, requiring proper footwear and caution when navigating the rocky areas.
Carbola Mine’s geology is intriguing, with a combination of quartz veins and other mineral formations that have the potential to yield Amethyst specimens. Its history dates back to the early 19th century when it was a notable site for mining various minerals, including Amethyst. While the mine is no longer in active operation, it remains a popular destination for rockhounds
Where we found amethyst in Carbola Mine
We recommend you explore the area mine dumps of Carbola Mine, where the elusive Amethyst can be uncovered.
Carbola Mine is one only of the many Amethyst mining spots throughout the country.
Dodgewood Road
Dodgewood Road is a destination that holds the promise of hidden treasures and natural wonders. This scenic road winds through a picturesque landscape, offering a glimpse into the geological marvels of the area and the possibility of discovering Amethyst.
The geography surrounding this road is diverse and captivating. It traverses through lush forests, rolling hills, and alongside sparkling creeks, providing a delightful backdrop for exploration. The surrounding area has natural beauty, with an abundance of flora and fauna that add to the enchantment of the journey.
The terrain along Dodgewood Road can vary, ranging from gentle slopes to rocky outcrops. As you venture deeper into the region, you may encounter areas with exposed bedrock and geological formations that harbor the potential for Amethyst deposits.
Where we found amethyst in Dodgewood Road
Rockhounds have found Amethyst in the road cuts of Dodgewood Road.
Wesley Hills
Wesley Hills combines natural beauty with the possibility of discovering the enchanting Amethyst. This picturesque area serves a serene geography, diverse terrain, and potential for geological wonders.
Wesley Hills is marked by rolling hills, verdant forests, and tranquil streams. Its scenic beauty offers a peaceful retreat for nature enthusiasts and seekers of natural treasures. As you explore the area, you may encounter rocky outcrops and exposed bedrock, providing opportunities to uncover the hidden gemstones beneath the earth’s surface.
The terrain of Wesley Hills can vary, ranging from gentle slopes to rocky formations. These formations offer the potential for Amethyst deposits, adding an element of excitement and anticipation for gemstone enthusiasts.
Where we found amethyst in Wesley Hills
To find Amethysts, you can explore the different nooks and crannies in and around Wesley Hills.
Mount Pleasant
Mount Pleasant is known for its stunning geography, diverse terrain, and the potential for uncovering Amethyst. This scenic area offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and the excitement of discovering precious treasures.
Showcasing rolling hills, verdant valleys, and serene streams, Mount Pleasant provides a serene backdrop for exploration. Its captivating landscapes make it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. As you traverse the region, you may encounter rocky outcrops and geological formations that offer the possibility of finding Amethyst.
The terrain of Mount Pleasant can vary, featuring gentle slopes, rocky cliffs, and forested areas. These geological features create favorable conditions for the formation of Amethyst deposits. When you visit here, you can navigate through the terrain, keeping a keen eye for pockets and veins that may contain these exquisite gemstones.
Where we found amethyst in Mount Pleasant
We found Amethyst deposits after exploring the area fields of Mount Pleasant.
Common Amethyst-Hunting Questions
Here are the questions most commonly-asked by rockhounds looking to explore New York. We’ll answer them for you just in case you have the same questions, too.
Where can you find Amethyst Geodes in New York?
Unfortunately, New York doesn’t have naturally occurring Amethysts Geodes. This doesn’t mean, though, that you can’t find or take home one from here. In fact, we have plenty gem shops that offer Amethyst Geodes and more. You can checkout our list below.
Is it illegal to collect amethyst in New York?
Collecting Amethyst in New York is legal for as long as you abide by our local collecting guidelines. Also, do extra research on the specific area that you are planning to explore and familiarize yourself with any area-specific rules and regulations that you need to observe. Some areas may also be restricted, so make sure you are respecting these guidelines.
The Best Places To Buy Amethyst In New York
Finding Amethyst in New York is possible, but it’s not exactly a walk in park due to its limited deposits here. So if you’re looking for an Amethyst with a specific characteristic that will go well with your collection, you may want to consider visiting our local gem shops.
Some of the best ones that we have are as follows:
Astro Gallery of Gems – 417 5th Ave, New York, NY 10016
Rock Star Crystals – 146 W 26th St, New York, NY 10001
Natural Gems – 59 Lee Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Lucky Gems and Jewellery Fty Ltd – 1220 Broadway 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10001
Grace Gems Ltd – 576 5th Ave Suite 1005, New York, NY 10036
A & C Gem Trading Corporation – 44 W 47th St #23, New York, NY 10036
Wilensky Exquisite Minerals – 450 W 17th St, New York, NY 10011
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!
