A mesmerizing gemstone renowned for its captivating beauty and spiritual significance, Amethyst has long been cherished by gem enthusiasts and jewelry lovers. Its enchanting violet hue, ranging from pale lavender to deep purple, evokes a sense of elegance and allure.
Locating Amethyst in Ohio, though, can prove to be quite challenging without the right guidance. Ohio’s geology offers limited deposits of this magnificent gemstone, making it a rare find within our state’s boundaries.
But don’t worry, because we’ve created this guide to assist you in your search for Amethyst here. Prepare to delve into an exciting Amethyst-hunting experience with guided by our expertise!
What is Ohio Amethyst?
Amethyst is a captivating variety of quartz that has captured the fascination of civilizations throughout history. It derives its name from the Greek word “amethystos,” which translates to “not intoxicated,” reflecting the ancient belief that the gemstone had the power to protect its wearer from intoxication.
Naturally-occurring Amethyst can be found in various locations around the world. And despite Ohio’s relatively limited deposits of Amethyst, our state is home to some noteworthy occurrences of this gemstone. The geological composition of certain regions here gives rise to the formation of Amethyst crystals, adding a touch of natural splendor to our state’s diverse mineral treasures.
- 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 Ohio
There are many great spots to mine gems in Ohio, but not all of them have Amethysts. But while finding this gemstone here can be challenging, it’s definitely possible! That’s especially true if you explore the following areas that we highly recommend
Unfortunately amethyst is still very rare in most of the state. In fact, we only know of three different places where you can find it. Because there are so few, we also included a few places not far from Ohio where you can also find it.
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
Flint Ridge
Flint Ridge is a renowned geological formation that stretches across several counties, encompassing a vast area of approximately 20 miles in length and 2 miles in width. This unique ridge derives its name from the abundance of flint deposits found within its geological composition.
Its terrain is characterized by rolling hills and picturesque valleys, adorned with dense forests and meandering streams. The geological formations within this area consist of sedimentary rocks, primarily limestone and shale, dating back to the Devonian period. It’s within these ancient rocks that the Amethyst crystals can be found, nestled amid the geological tapestry.
Visiting Flint Ridge is a breeze, thanks to the well-maintained roads leading to the site. Just remember to familiarize yourself with Ohio’s local collecting guidelines first before heading out here.
Where we found amethyst in Flint Rigde
You can find Amethyst by exploring the general area of Flint Ridge.
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.
Muskingum County
Muskingum County is blessed with a picturesque landscape of rolling hills, meandering rivers, and lush forests, making it an enchanting destination for both nature lovers and rockhounds. It offers a captivating blend of geography, terrain, and geology that contributes to the presence of Amethyst in its rich mineral deposits.
This county is a tapestry of undulating hills and fertile valleys, carved by the passage of time and the flow of rivers. It’s intersected by the scenic Muskingum River, which adds to the charm and serenity of the region.
Muskingum County is easily accessible through a network of well-connected roads and highways, making it convenient for you to explore its natural wonders.
Where we found amethyst in Muskingum County
When you visit here, you can immerse yourself in Muskingum County’s breathtaking landscapes while unraveling Amethyst specimens in its area gravels and exposures.
Aside from this county, there are other great Amethyst mining sites in the US that you can explore when you get the chance.
Licking County
Licking County has a mix of rural landscapes, rolling hills, and fertile valleys, providing a picturesque setting for rockhounds. Its unique geological composition and terrain make it an intriguing destination if you’re seeking for Amethyst.
This county has a blend of wooded areas, meandering streams, and expansive farmlands. It’s nestled within the foothills of the Appalachian Plateau, offering a diverse range of topography consist of sedimentary rocks, including limestone and shale.
If you’re planning to head out here, you’re in luck because this county is well-connected to major highways and roadways. Its proximity to metropolitan areas like Columbus adds to its accessibility.
Where we found amethyst in Licking County
Similar with the Muskingum County, you can find Amethyst in the area gravels and exposures of Licking County, too.
Crum Creek in Pennsylvania
As we’ve said above, Ohio has pretty much limited Amethyst deposits, so we’re including Amethyst-bearing locations from its bordering states in our recommendations, too. And one of them is Crum Creek in Pennsylvania, which is just a stone’s throw away from our state.
Crum Creek flows through a charming landscape of rolling hills and verdant forests. It meanders its way, carving a path through the terrain, creating little pockets of gem-hunting potential along its banks. The geography of Crum Creek is a visual treat, offering a delightful backdrop for your gemstone-seeking adventures.
This area features sedimentary rocks like limestone and shale, which provide the perfect conditions for the formation of Amethyst. What’s even better is that Crum Creek is easily accessible from Ohio, with a short drive across the state border.
Where we found amethyst in Location
You can find Amethyst if you explore the following specific spots along and surrounding Crum Creek:
- At the Randolph farm along Crum Creek Road
- On the Morgan Hunter farm
- Along Worrell side
Williams Creek in Indiana
Another great Amethyst-bearing spot to explore near Ohio is Williams Creek in Indiana. Located just a hop, skip, and a jump away from our state, this area beckons with its enchanting beauty.
This sparkling creek flows through the heart of Indiana, winding through picturesque landscapes of lush greenery and tranquil surroundings. Williams Creek has a delightful blend of rolling hills, serene valleys, and waterways, providing the perfect setting for your gem-hunting escapades.
And since Williams Creek is nestled within a region rich in sedimentary rocks, such as limestone and shale, this place has the ideal conditions for Amethyst formation. As you explore the creek’s banks, keep your eyes peeled for these mesmerizing purple gems.
Where we found amethyst in Location
We recommend exploring the areas in and around Williams Creek to find elusive Amethyst crystals.
Common Amethyst-Hunting Questions
Before embarking on an adventurous Amethyst-hunting experience here, we thought of answering some of the most commonly asked questions that you might have, too:
Where can you find Amethyst Geodes in Ohio?
It’s no surprise this is among the top questions of enthusiasts looking for Amethyst. After all, Amethyst Geodes are gorgeous! Unfortunately, though, these wonders don’t naturally occur in Ohio, but you can checkout our local gem shops where you can get your hands (and even take home!) on one.
Is it illegal to collect amethyst in Ohio?
Collecting Amethyst in Ohio is legal, provided that you’ll comply with our local collecting guidelines here. Also, make sure to take extra time to study the rules and regulations in the area you’re planning to explore. Some spots may have restricted areas, and you should respect these restrictions no matter what.
The Best Places To Buy Amethyst In Ohio
Since Ohio has quite a limited Amethyst deposit, another great way to take home an Amethyst from our state is by purchasing one from our local gem shops here. Some of the best ones that we have are listed below:
Accent on Nature – 1435 Grandview Ave, Columbus, OH 43212
Coyne’s Crystals – 25 E Main St, Fairborn, OH 45324
DH Crystal Company – 240 N Liberty St M, Powell, OH 43065
Rock Candy Healing Stones – 3343 N High St, Columbus, OH 43202
Rock with Sass – 611 Park Meadow Rd J, Westerville, OH 43081
Something Special Shoppe – 185 Old County Line Rd, Westerville, OH 43081
V Rock Shop LLC – 7061 Sunset Strip Ave NW, North Canton, OH 44720
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!
