If you’ve ever dreamed of stumbling onto a pocket of glittering crystals, then hearing about amethyst in Pennsylvania is sure to spark your curiosity.
While the state isn’t the first place most rockhounds think of when it comes to purple quartz, it has a surprisingly rich geological story that makes the hunt rewarding. From ancient mountain-building events to glacial processes and mineral-rich veins formed deep underground, Pennsylvania’s landscape hides more treasure than many collectors realize.
Before you start packing your gear, though, it helps to understand something essential: knowing which parts of Pennsylvania are worth your time can make all the difference.
And if you’re hoping to uncover those purple treasures for yourself, you’ll want to get familiar with the best spots in the state where amethyst tends to turn up.
What is Pennsylvania Amethyst?
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The purple variety of quartz, Amethyst, gets its distinctive hue from the presence of iron and other trace elements within its crystal lattice. Its color can vary from pale lilac to deep violet, with the most prized specimens being a rich, royal purple.
Aside from its stunning looks, Amethyst also has a rich history and cultural significance. In ancient Greece, it was believed to protect against drunkenness and was often used to make drinking vessels. It was also believed to have healing powers and was used to treat a wide range of ailments, from headaches to insomnia.
Amethyst can be found in many locations around the world, but in the United States, some of the most significant deposits of this gemstone are found in Pennsylvania.
The Different Types Of Amethyst And What They Look Like
Amethyst is a kind of quartz that forms in various geological settings, such as within volcanic rocks or in cavities of granites. These different environments contribute to the diverse appearances and types of this beautiful mineral.
The variety seen in amethyst is due to trace elements and impurities within the crystal structure. Elements like iron and manganese can alter the hue, leading to the beautiful spectrum of purples and other colors found in these crystals.
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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- 🚙 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 a
- 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 Pennsylvania
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In this section, we will dive deep into our favorite places to find Amethyst in our state. You may be familiar with the many great sites to mine gems in Pennsylvania, but take note that not all of them have Amethysts, too. If you’re after this purple beauty, we highly recommend visiting the following spots:
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
Mount Pleasant
Mount Pleasant is a small town that’s situated in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. It’s known for its scenic beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities, as it’s surrounded by rolling hills, dense forests, and winding rivers.
This region is home to a variety of mineral deposits, including Amethyst, which can be found in several locations throughout the area. The specimens found here have deep purple color and can range from small, thumbnail-sized pieces to large, multi-pound samples.
Reaching this place is easy, as it’s located just off the Pennsylvania Turnpike. It’s within driving distance of several major cities, including Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. Once you arrive, you can start your search in several spots. Just don’t forget to familiarize yourself with our local collecting guidelines before anything else!
Where we found amethyst in Mount Pleasant
While there are plenty of spots in Mount Pleasant that you can explore for Amethyst, we recommend exploring 1 mile northwest of the field area.
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
Chester County
A picturesque region in southeastern Pennsylvania, Chester County is just a short drive from Philadelphia. It’s known for its rolling hills, lush forests, and winding streams, which make it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
This county is blessed with many different types of rock formations and mineral deposits. And Amethyst is among them. The samples found here are typically smaller than those found in other parts of our state, but they’re still highly prized by collectors for their beauty and rarity.
Since it’s located just off several major highways, you can get here fairly easily. In fact, it’s within short driving distance from several major cities, such as Philadelphia, Wilmington, and Baltimore.
Where we found amethyst in Chester County
Lucky for you, Chester County is RICH with Amethysts! To find one, you can visit and explore the following specific spots here:
- South of US-30 Bypass in Coatesville
- Along the Lancaster Turnpike in Coatesville
- In fields of Glenhall
- Field on northwest of Minshall Painter farm
- At the Darlington Farm in Pocopson Station
- In the fields of Pocopson Station
- In road cuts all the way to Parkesburg in Sadsburyville
- Between Plum Run and Brandywine Creek
- At the abandoned Jug Hollow Mine in Valley Forge
- In road cuts of West Chester area
- In Brinton’s Quarry
With so many options, it’s easily one of the best places to find this gem. If you’re also curious to know all about Amethyst crystal price, checkout our pricing guide, too.
Chester Creek
Chester Creek is a scenic waterway that’s known for its picturesque beauty and recreational opportunities. Winding through several towns and communities, the creek is surrounded by lush forests, rolling hills, and rocky outcroppings.
With many different types of rock formations and mineral deposits, Chester Creek has a varied and fascinating geology. As with the specimens in Chester County, the Amethyst crystals here are also typically small and scattered, but they’re still highly sought after.
To get here, just drive through a major highway from any of the following cities: Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Wilmington.
Where we found amethyst at Chester Creek
Explore the following specific areas when you go to Chester Creek for a higher chance of finding Amethyst:
- East side of Chester Creek
- Opposite the railroad station and in road cuts in Bridgewater
- South side of Chester Creek
Crum Creek
Well-known as a beautiful waterway, Crum Creek is frequented by visitors for its scenic beauty and recreational opportunities. Surrounded by lush forests, rolling hills, and rocky outcroppings, your eyes will have a feast watching the waters of the creek wind through several towns and communities.
With many different rock formations and mineral deposits, Crum Creek is truly a must-visit! Especially if you’re looking for Amethyst, which can be found in several locations along the creek.
Where we found amethyst in Crum Creek
To find Amethyst in Crum Creek, you can scour the following areas:
- At the Randolph farm along Crum Creek Road
- On the Morgan Hunter farm
- Along Worrell side
Delaware County
Delaware County is a diverse and vibrant region that’s known for its varied geography, which includes rolling hills, scenic valleys, and winding waterways. It’s also a great location that has a diverse mix of urban and suburban communities in our state.
Like our previous recommendations, Delaware’s geology is fascinating, with many different types of rock formations and mineral deposits, including the elusive but ever sought-after Amethyst.
Where we found amethyst in Delaware County
When you go here, you’ll find that the county is really abundant with amazing spots that you can visit and explore for Amethysts, such as the following:
- George Sharpless farm in Avondale
- Armstrong farm in Boothwyn
- J.B. Okie farm in Boothwyn,
- Chealse-Boothwyn Road
- Bergdoll Farm in Boothwyn
- In and along the Brandywine River in Chadds Ford
- Shaw & Esrey Quarry in Chester
- Copple farm in Media area
- In vein cutting along Duttons Mill Road
- West of Morgan area
- Marshall farm in Sycamore Mills
- In vicinity of Blue Hills Crossroads
- Aston Township
- Shaw and Esrey’s Quarry
Other Great Places To Mine For Amethyst in Pennsylvania
Aside from our favorite places where you can mine Pennsylvania Amethyst, there are other spots that you can visit and explore for this stunning natural wonder. We’ve organized them below by county, so you can easily refer to it when you need it.
Our recommendations by county
| County | Location |
| Bedford | East over Brumbaugh Mountain To Morrison Cove Valley |
| Bedford | Area fields all way to New Enterprise |
| Bucks | On Green Hill in Oley Furnace |
| Cumberland | Carlisle Interchange on the Pennsylvania Turnpike |
| Montgomery | In surrounding fields of Fritztown |
| Montgomery | Green Hill area in Olney Furnace |
| Montgomery | Collegeville Amethyst Locality in Upper Providence Township |
| Philadelphia | Fairmount Park |
| Philadelphia | Ridge Avenue and School Lane Quarries in East Falls |
| Philadelphia | Falls of Schuylkill |
| Philadelphia | Tacony Creek Valley |
| Somerset | In surrounding fields, but especially east, of Friedens area |
| York | Reesers Haven via Lemoyne and new Cumberland interchanges |
Additional areas you can find amethyst
Some of our recommendations above cover wide areas, which might take too much time and effort to explore. If you find yourself wondering where specifically you should be looking into when you get here, try out these areas where Amethysts are usually found:
Streams and Creeks
Streams and creeks are often great places to find Amethyst due to the natural processes that occur in these waterways.
Over time, flowing water can erode and break apart rock formations, causing minerals like this gem to become dislodged and washed downstream. As a result, minerals can become concentrated in certain areas along the streambed, making them easier to find.
Road Cuts
Road cuts are excellent places to find Amethyst and other minerals due to the unique geological processes that occur during the construction of highways and roads. When roads are built, large sections of rock are cut away to create a level surface for travel. This process exposes previously buried rock formations, providing a unique opportunity for collectors to search for minerals that may have been hidden deep underground.
Railroad Cuts
Railroad cuts are created when railroads are built through hills and mountains, exposing previously hidden layers of rock and mineral deposits. The resulting cross-section view of the underlying geology can make it easier for collectors to identify potential locations for finding Amethyst.
Make sure, though, that you exercise caution when searching for Amethyst here, as it can be dangerous due to the presence of trains and heavy machinery, as well as unstable or loose rock formations.
Quarries
Quarries are created when large sections of rock are excavated for commercial purposes, such as building materials or industrial minerals. This excavation can expose previously hidden layers of rock and mineral deposits, making it easier to identify and find Amethysts.
In addition, quarries can provide access to large sections of rock, allowing you to search for Amethyst in a concentrated area. This can increase the likelihood of finding high-quality specimens, particularly if the quarry has a history of producing them.
Common Amethyst-Hunting Questions
When it comes to Amethyst mining in Pennsylvania, the following are the most common questions being asked by collectors and enthusiasts:
Where can you find Amethyst Geodes in Pennsylvania?
Fortunately, Amethyst Goedes naturally occur in Pennsylvania! You can find them in the following specific spots:
- Upland area of Peter Green Farm on the south of Chester Creek
- Upland neighborhood near Waterville Road
Is it illegal to collect amethyst in Pennsylvania?
Collecting Amethyst is perfectly legal in Pennsylvania, if you’ll ensure that you’ll abide by our state’s collecting guidelines. Additionally, depending on the area you will explore, there may be rules and regulations to protect the environment and overall biodiversity of the area.
The Best Places To Buy Amethyst In Pennsylvania
If you’re looking for Amethyst specimens with specific characteristics, your best chance of finding and taking them home is visiting our local rock and gem shops. Some of the best ones with great selections are listed down below:
The Gem Den – 50 N Queen St, Lancaster, PA 17603
TJ’s Rocks & Gemcrafts – 4433 Lincoln Hwy, Downingtown, PA 19335
Bey’s Rock Shop – 615 PA-100, Bechtelsville, PA 19505
Lodin’s Gems & Minerals – 8884 US-219, Brockway, PA 15824
Gem Zone – 127 S Main St C, New Hope, PA 18938
Geology Rocks! and Minerals – 5124 Butler St, Pittsburgh, PA 15201
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!
