Putting in the work to find amethyst in Minnesota can definitely pay off. Your adventure begins by heading toward the areas that have a history of yielding these stones.
We’ll explore the kinds of landscapes that are perfect for a day of amethyst hunting. This will help you feel confident that you’re looking in places with real potential.
Having a solid plan for where to start looking is the secret to a great day of rockhounding. It puts you on the right path to finding some amazing pieces for your personal collection.
What is Minnesota Amethyst?
Amethyst is a type of quartz that’s prized for its beautiful purple color that can range from light lavender to deep violet. It can be found in different locations around the world, including Brazil, Uruguay, Zambia, and Canada. In the US, Minnesota is one of the most well-known locations that possess this natural wonder.
Amethyst is formed when quartz is exposed to high temperatures and pressure, often in volcanic rock. The mineral impurities in the quartz create the characteristic purple color of the stone. That’s why it’s typically found in geodes or as part of larger mineral deposits.
In addition to its stunning beauty, Amethyst is also believed to have spiritual and healing properties. Some people use it for meditation, as it’s said to promote calmness and relaxation. Whether you’re a collector or simply appreciate the beauty of gemstones, Amethyst is a true treasure that you surely won’t overlook.
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.
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Finding the coolest rocks in isn’t luck, it's knowing what to look for. Thousands of your fellow rock hunters are already carrying Rock Chasing field guides. Maybe it's time you joined the community.
Lightweight, mud-proof, and packed with clear photos, it’s become the go-to tool for anyone interested discovering what’s hidden under our red dirt and what they've already found.
Join them, and make your next rockhounding trip actually pay off.
What makes it different:
- 📍 Find and identify 140 incredible crystals, rocks, gemstones, minerals, and geodes across the USA
- 🚙 Field-tested across America's rivers, ranchlands, mountains, and roadcuts
- 📘 Heavy duty laminated pages resist dust, sweat, and water
- 🧠 Zero fluff — just clear visuals and straight-to-the-point info
- ⭐ Rated 4.8★ by real collectors who actually use it in the field
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.
Where you can find cacoxenite amethyst
Cacoxenite amethyst can be found in the United States, Germany, and Brazil.
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.
Where you can find phantom amethyst
There are notable sources of phantom amethyst in Brazil, Madagascar, and the United States. In the United States, phantom amethyst is often discovered in states like Arizona, North Carolina, and Colorado.
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.
Where you can find amethyst geodes
Amethyst geodes are commonly found in Brazil and Uruguay. In the United States, they can also be found in places like Arizona and Oregon.
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.
Where you can find scepter amethyst
Scepter amethyst can be found in several locations around the world, with notable spots including Brazil, Madagascar, and Zambia.
In the United States, areas like Washington State and North Carolina are also known for their scepter amethyst discoveries.
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.
Where you can find smoky amethyst
Smoky amethyst can be found in several countries, including Brazil. It’s also discovered in places like Africa and the United States.
- 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 Minnesota
While Minnesota is not one to lack great places where you can mine gems, not all of them have naturally-occurring Amethysts. If you’re after this specific stone, better checkout the following excellent sites:
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
St. Louis County
St. Louis County is the ultimate destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers in our state. Located in the northeast corner of Minnesota, this vast county, covering over 6,000 square miles, is home to some of the most beautiful scenery here.
From rugged mountains to sparkling lakes, from rolling hills to rocky outcroppings, St. Louis County has it all. Its terrain varies from dense forests to open prairies, making it the perfect place to explore by foot, bike, or car.
Geologically speaking, this place is a treasure trove of minerals and gems, including Amethyst deposits. What’s better is that collecting them is legal here as long as you comply with Minnesota’s collecting guides.
Where we found amethyst in St. Louis County
Explore in and around St. Louis County to find highly sought-after Amethyst gems.
If you want REAL results finding incredible rocks and minerals you need one of these 👇👇👇
Finding the coolest rocks in isn’t luck, it's knowing what to look for. Thousands of your fellow rock hunters are already carrying Rock Chasing field guides. Maybe it's time you joined the community.
Lightweight, mud-proof, and packed with clear photos, it’s become the go-to tool for anyone interested discovering what’s hidden under our red dirt and what they've already found.
Join them, and make your next rockhounding trip actually pay off.
What makes it different:
- 📍 Find and identify 140 incredible crystals, rocks, gemstones, minerals, and geodes across the USA
- 🚙 Field-tested across America's rivers, ranchlands, mountains, and roadcuts
- 📘 Heavy duty laminated pages resist dust, sweat, and water
- 🧠 Zero fluff — just clear visuals and straight-to-the-point info
- ⭐ Rated 4.8★ by real collectors who actually use it in the field
Cross River
Located on the shores of Lake Superior, Cross River is a small town that’s home to some of the most beautiful scenery in our state. With its rugged coastline, dense forests, and sparkling rivers, this place is a nature lover’s paradise!
Cross River is blessed with rocky shoreline and dramatic cliffs. It has a rugged and challenging terrain, with steep hills and rocky outcroppings. But don’t let that deter you because the views from the top are worth the effort!
Aside from its stunning views, Cross River also has some of the most fascinating rock formations in Minnesota. It’s rich in minerals and gems, including the highly sought-after Amethyst. And getting here is pretty easy, too, as it’s conveniently accessible from major highways and airports.
Where we found amethyst at Cross River
When you visit Cross River, we highly recommend exploring its different nooks and crannies for Amethyst. Also, if you’re curious to know how much is Amethyst worth, checkout our full pricing guide.
Whitehall in Wisconsin
Whitehall is a charming small town in Wisconsin that’s full of surprises. Located just across the border from Minnesota, it’s an easy drive from the Twin Cities and other major Midwest cities. If you’re looking for a getaway that’s both convenient and exciting, Whitehall is the perfect destination.
Its geography is defined by its rolling hills and picturesque valleys. The town is nestled in the heart of the Trempealeau River Valley, which offers some of the most stunning natural beauty in the region. With everything from dense forests to open prairies, this area is also known for its unique geology, which includes the highly-coveted Amethyst.
Where we found amethyst at Whitehall
To find Amethyst here, explore the road cuts and stream cuts just north of Whitehall area in Trempealeau County.
Mount Pleasant in Pennsylvania
Mount Pleasant is a hidden gem in Pennsylvania. Located just a short drive from Pittsburgh, it’s an easy destination to get to for a weekend getaway or day trip. It’s steeped in history, with charming architecture and a vibrant cultural scene.
The town is characterized by its rolling hills and lush forests, and its terrain is perfect for hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities— especially rockhounding!
The region is also rich in natural resources, including Amethyst. In fact, Mount Pleasant is one of the nearest locations in Minnesota where you can find this beautiful gemstone.
Where we found amethyst at Mount Pleasant
When you get here, we suggest exploring 1 mile northwest of the field area of Mount Pleasant, where you can find stunning Amethyst specimens.
Franklin in North Carolina
Yes, it’s quite a distance from Minnesota but there aren’t many other options within driving distance. Franklin sits in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina. The town is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, with lush forests, rolling hills, and rushing waterfalls. It’s a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, fishing, and other activities.
Located in the Southern Appalachians, its terrain is rugged and diverse, with elevations ranging from 1,200 to 5,500 feet above sea level.
Franklin is home to unique geological formations and rich deposits of minerals and gems, including Amethyst. That’s why it has several active mines that offer guided tours and opportunities to search for these wonders.
Where we found amethyst at Franklin
Amethysts abound in Franklin, and if you want to find one, you can explore its different area mines, prospects, and diggings.
Common Amethyst-Hunting Questions
When it comes to Minnesota Amethyst mining, explorer often have the same common questions. And in this section, we’ll answer them for you.
Where can you find Amethyst Geodes in Minnesota?
While you can find Amethysts here, it’s unfortunate that Amethyst Geodes don’t naturally occur in Minnesota. That doesn’t mean you can’t take home one from here! We have some pretty great rock and gem shops here with Amethyst Geodes that you can pay a visit to.
Is it illegal to collect amethyst in Minnesota?
Minnesota allows Amethyst mining and collecting for as long as you do it in compliance with our collecting guidelines. Also, be sure to familiarize yourself with any environmental rules and regulation in place in the areas that you will explore.
The Best Places To Buy Amethyst In Minnesota
If you’re after an Amethyst of certain intensity of color, size, or look, chances are you won’t easily find them in its natural environment. But you’ll certainly have more options to choose from if you visit our local rock and gem shops here.
Below are some only of our best shops that you can visit:
ZRS Fossils and Gifts – 3018 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55408
Jon’s Gem Emporium – 184 US-10, Motley, MN 56466
The Enchanted Rock Garden – 1228 E 66th St, Richfield, MN 55423
AM Rock Shop – 710 E River Rd, Anoka, MN 55303
Owl and Lark – 12821 Main St, Rogers, MN 55374
Rocks and Things – 201 N Rum River Dr, Princeton, MN 55371
Embellir Gallery of Gems – 750 Main St #111, Mendota Heights, MN 55118
Enchanted Boutique – 8 W 66th St, Richfield, MN 55423
Awakenings Gifts & Guidance for the Soul – 4165 Minnehaha Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55406
Additional Places To Find Amethyst In Nearby States
Check out the guide we made for a nearby states where you can find amethysts as well:
If you have any recommendations for our list please leave a comment below!
