There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of personally digging up a high-quality piece of amethyst in Nevada. The secret to successful collecting isn’t luck; it’s knowing exactly which parts of the state are most likely to hold the crystals you’re hunting for.
Instead of just wandering around, you can really focus your time and energy by learning the specific spots known for various valuable gemstones, including this gorgeous purple quartz.
Nevada’s diverse landscapes are packed with crystal treasures, and you’ll soon learn which geographical features reliably tell you amethyst is present.
Knowing precisely where to start your search is the best way to skip the disappointment and drastically boost your chances of building a truly remarkable amethyst collection.
What is Nevada Amethyst?
Now, let’s talk about the amethysts themselves. These gems are stunning! They’re among the most popular and recognizable gemstones, ranging in color from pale lilac to deep purple.
Amethysts are a type of quartz crystal that forms in geodes, which are hollow cavities lined with crystals. You never know what you will find inside when you crack open a geode. It could be a small amethyst cluster or a large, breathtaking formation that will leave you speechless.
It can be worth a pretty penny if you’re lucky enough to find a perfect one. But even if you’re not in it for the money, amethysts are so beautiful that it’s hard not to get excited about finding them. And with all the great resources available nowadays, anyone can have a successful amethyst hunting trip!
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 Nevada
Here are our top suggestions on where to look for amethyst in the state. There are many unusual locations where you can find gems in Nevada, but only a handful are particularly suitable for finding amethysts. Even though some of these places aren’t popular, we looked there and found exciting options.
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
Bare Mountain
Bare Mountain, located in Nye County, Nevada, is a popular destination for rockhounds and mineral collectors looking for amethysts. The mountain is part of the Bare Mountain Range.
It is known for its unique geological formations, which include numerous faults and fissures that have created ideal conditions for amethyst crystal growth. These crystals are found in geodes within the volcanic rocks that make up the mountain.
Bare Mountain is mainly known for producing high-quality amethysts with colors ranging from pale lavender to deep violet. The amethysts are often large, well-formed crystals highly prized by collectors.
In addition to amethysts, minerals, and gemstones can also be found on Bare Mountain, including calcite, agate, and jasper.
Ensure you’ve read up on the most recent Nevada collecting laws before taking your finds home.
Where we found amethyst at Bare Mountain
One of the most popular spots at Bare Mountain is the Crystal Pit on the mountain’s northwest side. The Crystal Pit is a large area of exposed volcanic tuff where amethysts and other minerals can be found.
Here, you can find amethyst crystals ranging in size from small clusters to large, impressive formations.
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
El Dorado Mountains
El Dorado Mountain, located in the Opal Mountain Wilderness area of Clark County, is a popular destination for rockhounds and mineral collectors looking for amethysts. The mountain is a large volcanic structure that contains various minerals, including amethysts.
El Dorado Mountain is accessible via unpaved roads, and visitors should be prepared for rugged terrain and extreme weather conditions. Additionally, visitors should follow ethical rockhounding practices, such as respecting private property boundaries, filling in any holes dug during their search, and leaving the land as they found it.
Where we found amethyst at the El Dorado Mountain
One of the most popular areas for amethyst hunting on El Dorado Mountain is the Opal Queen Mine, located on the mountain’s north side. Other areas on the mountain where amethysts can be found include the Echo Canyon area and the Black Velvet Canyon area.
Erickson Canyon
Erickson Canyon, located in the Virgin Valley of northern Nevada, is a well-known destination for rockhounds and mineral collectors looking for amethysts. The canyon is part of the larger Virgin Valley Opal Mining District, which produces high-quality gemstones and minerals.
Visitors to Erickson Canyon can search for amethysts in various ways, including surface collecting, digging, and sluicing. The canyon can be accessed via unpaved roads and is relatively easy to navigate.
The canyon also has a rich history of amethyst mining, with many abandoned mines and tailings piles still visible in the area.
Where we found amethyst at the Erickson Canyon
Amethysts found in Erickson Canyon are typically found in geodes within the volcanic rock formations of the area. Visit this amethyst guide we’ve created to know if amethyst is expensive.
Hog Ranch Mine
Hog Ranch Mine, located in the Sierra Nevada Range of western Nevada, is a popular destination for rockhounds and mineral collectors looking for amethysts. The mine is situated on the slopes of Hog Ranch Mountain and is known for containing amethyst crystals.
Hog Ranch Mine is a unique location for amethyst hunting due to the fact that it is an active mining operation. The mine is operated by a private company and visitors are allowed to collect amethysts from tailings piles and other areas of the mine with the purchase of a permit.
Where we found amethyst at the Hog Ranch Mine
Amethysts at Hog Ranch Mine can be found in a variety of locations, including tailings piles, vugs, and pockets within the volcanic rock formations of the area.
Kanes Springs Wash
Kanes Springs Wash, located in the Muddy Mountains of southeastern Nevada, is a popular destination for rockhounds and mineral collectors looking for amethysts.
The wash is a dry creek bed that has cut through volcanic rock formations over millions of years, exposing a variety of minerals, including amethysts.
One of the reasons that Kanes Springs Wash is a popular spot for amethyst hunting is because of the accessibility of the area. The wash can be accessed via unpaved roads and is relatively easy to navigate.
Where we found amethyst at Kanes Springs Wash
One of the most popular areas for amethyst hunting at Kanes Springs Wash is the White Domes area, which is located at the southern end of the wash. Other areas of the wash where amethysts can be found include the Elephant Rock area and the Red Cap area.
Other Great Places To Mine For Amethyst in Nevada
Our recommendations by county
Although we’ve already listed our top picks to find amethyst crystals in Nevada, there are still plenty of other spots we can recommend. To make things easier, we’ve sorted them by county below.
| County | Location |
| Churchill | Bell Mountain Mining District |
| Elko | Miekle Mine |
| Elko | Goldstrike Mines |
| Elko | Ken Snyder Mine |
| Esmeralda | Red Mountan Mining District |
| Eureka | Barth Mine |
| Humboldt | Disaster Peak |
| Humboldt | Getchell Mine |
| Humboldt | Adam Peak |
| Humboldt | Osgood Mountain |
| Lander | Fish Creek Mountain |
| Lyon | Douglas Hill Mine |
| Mineral | Silver Dyke Mine |
| Nye | Taylor’s Mine |
| Nye | Bullfrog Mine |
| Nye | Bullfrog Hills |
| Nye | Thanksgiving Mine |
| Nye | Mustang Hill |
| Pershing | Majuba Mountain |
| Pershing | Belcher Shaft |
| Storey | Comstock Lode |
| Washoe | Fort Sage Mountains |
| Washoe | Petersen Mountains |
| Washoe | Petersen Mountain Quartz Mine |
| Washoe | Royal Scepter Mine |
Additional areas you can find amethyst
Givenhow huge Nevada is, we want to help you on your expedition. It’s important to seek the key and focus on areas where amethysts are often found.
Mines and mine dumps
Mines and mine dumps are great places to find amethyst for collectors for several reasons. Amethysts are often found in geodes or vugs within the rocks of the mine, making them relatively easy to access compared to other minerals.
Mines and mine dumps are often home to a variety of minerals and gemstones, making them an ideal location for rockhounds and mineral collectors. These areas can contain a rich variety of specimens, including everything from quartz and agate to garnets and topaz. This means that collectors can often find multiple types of minerals in one location.
Rivers and riverbanks
Rivers and riverbanks are great places to find amethyst for collectors. Rivers can naturally erode rocks and minerals, exposing them to the surface.
This means that amethysts and other minerals can be easily found along riverbanks, particularly after periods of heavy rainfall or flooding.
Rivers can transport minerals and gemstones from their original source, meaning that amethysts can be found in areas that are not typically associated with amethyst deposits. This can lead to exciting discoveries for collectors.
Streams and creeks
Other natural areas that are great places for amethyst collectors to find gorgeous gemstones include streams and creeks. Streams and creeks are excellent places to look for amethysts since they share many of the same characteristics with rivers and riverbanks, such as water movement and mineral and rock sorting caused by nature.
The fact that stream and creeks are frequently less crowded than other places, making it simpler to concentrate on locating gemstones, is one benefit of looking for amethysts there. Another benefit is that they are frequently found in wild and isolated areas, offering collectors a tranquil and enjoyable place to explore.
Common Amethyst-Hunting Questions
It’s essential to respond to the following frequently asked questions about amethysts in Nevada.
Where can you find amethyst geodes in Nevada?
Despite the fact that amethyst geodes are uncommon in Nevada, there are a few rock shops where you can locate different varieties.
Is it illegal to collect amethyst in Nevada?
As long as you follow local regulations, Nevada permits amethyst collection. Follow any applicable laws if you’re in a public area. Be sure you have permission if you’re on private property.
The Best Places To Buy Amethyst In Nevada
It’s not everyone’s cup of tea to spen all day in the woods looking for amethysts. Sometimes all you need is a fantastic display that stands out from the crowd or something to strengthen your collection. The list of rock shops where you may purchase amethyst crystals is provided below.
- Cabin Creek Crystals – 770 S Virginia St, Reno, NV 89501
- Crystal Cove – 20 Hillcrest Dr, Reno, NV 89509
- Earth Energe – 1023 Rock Blvd A, Sparks, NV 89431
- Ink and Amethyst – 257 S Moapa Valley Blvd, Overton, NV 89040
- Stone Age Quarry – 2002 Harvard Way, Reno, NV 89502
Additional Places To Find Amethyst In Nearby States
If you’ve already tried all of our recommendations above or are planning a trip out of the state you should check out our guides for neighboring states:
If you have any recommendations for our list, please leave a comment below!
