Setting out to find your own amethyst in Utah is an exciting prospect, and starting in the right place is half the battle. Knowing which areas are productive can turn a long day of searching into a truly successful one.
These beautiful purple crystals are scattered across a number of regions in the state. Getting familiar with these specific zones helps you focus your energy where it will count the most.
This is the kind of know-how that leads to a memorable find you’ll be excited to talk about. We’ll show you the best spots to look!
What is Utah Amethyst?
Belonging to the quartz family, Amethyst gets its distinct color from trace amounts of iron impurities present during its formation. Its color can vary from pale lilac to deep violet, with shades often influenced by different factors like the presence of natural light.
For centuries, Amethyst has been prized for its beauty and spiritual significance. Its name is derived from the Greek word “Amethystos,” which means “not drunken.” Ancient Greeks and Romans believed that wearing or drinking from vessels made of this gem could protect them from intoxication and promote sobriety.
Aside from its rich history, Amethyst is also associated with clarity of thought, spiritual enlightenment, and emotional balance. Because of this, it’s commonly used in jewelry, including rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.
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.
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
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 Spot To Find Amethyst in Utah
It’s no secret that Utah has plenty of gem mining sites, but not all of them contain Amethysts. So we went around our state to find sites for your next Amethyst-hunting adventure here. We’ve found the following excellent 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
San Rafael Swell
Spanning over 2,000 square miles, San Rafael Swell is endowed with rugged canyons, towering mesas, and striking rock formations. As part of the Colorado Plateau, it’s situated between the Wasatch Mountains to the north and the San Rafael Desert to the south.
When you visit here, you’ll see for yourself why San Rafael Swell is a spectacle to behold. It boasts of deep canyons carved by the San Rafael River and its tributaries. It has everything from towering cliffs and sandstone domes to hidden alcoves and sprawling desert landscapes.
San Rafael Swell’s geology is diverse and reveals a rich tapestry of rock layers spanning millions of years. It’s renowned for its exposed formations, including the iconic Buckhorn Wash, Mexican Mountain, and The Wedge. Within this diverse environment is where you can find Amethyst, too.
If you wish to explore here, make sure to check Utah’s updated collecting guidelines first.
Where we found amethyst in San Rafael Swell
You can explore the east side of the San Rafael Swell to find stunning specimens of Amethyst.
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
Tooele County
Tooele County spans over 7,000 square miles, encompassing a variety of terrain, from rugged mountain ranges to vast desert expanses.
Tooele County has a mix of striking features. The Stansbury Mountains dominate its western part, while the eastern region transitions into the vast salt flats and dry basins of the Great Salt Lake. In between, the county has rolling hills, fertile valleys, and intermittent streams.
This county is renowned for its varied rock formations, including sedimentary, volcanic, and metamorphic rocks. Its mountainous areas contain mineral-rich deposits, providing an ideal environment for gemstone formation. Amethyst can be found in these geological formations.
Where we found amethyst in Tooele County
When you visit this county, you can find Amethyst in the following sites:
- Drum Mountains
- Dugway Range in Dugway Pass
- Dugway Mountains Mining District
If you’re curious about Amethyst’s price, you can refer to our article on that, too.
Bradshaw Mountains
Bradshaw Mountains are renowned for their scenic beauty and geological significance. Stretching across a vast expanse, these mountains form a prominent part of the larger Basin and Range Province.
These mountains are characterized by rugged peaks, deep canyons, and expansive valleys. It has steep slopes covered in dense forests, open meadows, and rocky outcrops. It offers breathtaking vistas, with panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes and nearby reservoirs.
The varied geology of Bradshaw Mountains provides fertile ground for the formation of Amethyst. To go here, you can travel via major highways and well-maintained roads. State Route 65 and State Route 38 offer convenient access to different sections of the mountain range.
Where we found amethyst in Bradshaw Mountains
We recommend exploring the different area mines in Bradshaw Mountains where you can uncover Amethyst specimens.
Iron County
With an area of over 3,300 square miles, Iron County is blessed with a mix of mountains, valleys, and desert terrain. Its situated in the Great Basin and is bordered by the imposing Markagunt Plateau to the west and the vast Escalante Desert to the east.
This county is home to the breathtaking formations of the Cedar Breaks National Monument and covers parts of the Dixie National Forest. Iron County also features the picturesque valleys of Parowan and Cedar, which offer fertile agricultural land and charming rural communities.
The diverse geology of Iron County presents opportunities for Amethyst discoveries. It has a variety of rock formations, including sedimentary, volcanic, and metamorphic rocks. Iron County is easily accessible via major highways, such as Interstate 15 and State Route 130.
Where we found amethyst in Iron County
Amethysts are bountiful in Iron County and you can find them in Granite Mountain, specifically in the following spots:
- Armstong Mine
- Clive-Constitution Orebody
- Desert Mound Orebody
- East Pioche Mine
- Eclipse Orebody
- Georgia Orebody
- Iron Springs Arch Orebody
- King Orebody
- Lindsay Hill Mine
- South Orebody
- Little Allie Orebody
- Little Jim Orebody
- Little Mormon Orebody
- Milner Pit Orebody
- Section 2 Orebody
- Section 3 Orebody
- Section 4 Orebody
- Section 9 Orebody
- Short Line Orebody
- Thompson Orebody
- Twitchell Orebody
- Vermillion Mine
- Walker Orebody
You can also explore the Iron Mountain, specifically these sites:
- A and B Orebody
- Black Hawk Orebody
- Black Magnetite Orebody
- Blowout Pit (Columbia Steel Mine)
- Burke no. 2 Orebody
- Burke no. 3 Orebody
- Calumet Orebody
- Chesapeake Orebody
- Comstock Orebody
- Crystal Orebody
- Cyclone Orebody
- Deer Orebody
- Duluth Orebody
- Duncan Orebody
- Excelsior Orebody
- Homestake Mine
- Last Chance Orebody
- Lime Cap Orebody
- McCahill Orebody
- Milner Hill Orebody
- Mountain Lion Orebody
- Pinto Orebody
- Pot Metals Orebody
- Queen of the West Orebody
- Rex Orebody
- Sparta Orebody
- Tiptop Orebody
- Wall Street Orebody
- Yellow Jacket Orebody
Marysvale
Marysvale is a charming town surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. Situated in Piute County, it’s known for its scenic landscapes, outdoor recreation opportunities, and the potential for exciting gemstone discoveries.
The town is located in a valley surrounded by towering mountain ranges, offering a picturesque setting for you to explore. Its surrounding landscapes encompass lush forests, pristine lakes and rivers, and stunning mountain vistas. This scenic backdrop provides an ideal setting for outdoor activities, including gem hunting.
Marysvale is renowned for its region’s volcanic history, which has shaped the landscape and created mineral-rich formations. This has contributed to the formation of Amethyst-bearing rocks and veins in the area. To visit, you can travel via major highways like the U.S. Route 89 or State Route 153.
Where we found amethyst in Marysvale
Search through the surrounding mines in Marysvale to find fascinating specimens of Amethyst.
Other Great Places To Mine For Amethyst in Utah
Our recommendations by county
If you’ve already visited our top-recommended places for Amethyst hunting, don’t fret because there are plenty other options for you to explore. We’ve arranged them by county in the table below.
| County | Location |
| Beaver | Lincoln Gulch area mines |
| Beaver | Creole Mine |
| Beaver | Sheeprock Mine |
| Beaver | Pine Grove Mining District |
| Beaver | Rita Lynn claim |
| Grand | Agate Switch |
| Juab | Eagles Nest Claim |
| Juab | Starvation Canyon |
| Juab | Holfertite Pit |
| Juab | The Cove in Topaz Mountain |
| Piute | Sevier Mine |
| Piute | Lucky Boy Mine |
| San Juan | La Sal Mountains |
| Sevier | Monroe Canyon |
Additional areas you can find amethyst
To make the most of your time when visiting our recommended places here that cover relatively large areas, we recommend exploring the spots where Amethyst is usually found. Try checking out these specific spots:
Mines and Mine Dumps
Mines and mine dumps (piles of discarded rocks and minerals from mining operations) are fantastic spots for Amethyst hunting. They can yield impressive specimens due to their mineral-rich environment and history of mining activities.
Mountain Ranges
Mountain ranges are ideal locations to find exquisite Amethyst specimens. They offer diverse geological formations and mineral-rich environments that support Amethyst formation. You can find this gem within the rocks and crevices of these mountainous regions.
Streams and Creeks
Streams and creeks are flowing bodies of water that can serve as natural pathways for Amethyst crystals to be transported from their original sources. You can find these purple treasures along the banks, within gravel beds, or lodged between rocks in these aquatic environments, making them fruitful grounds for your adventure.
Common Amethyst-Hunting Questions
We’ll go through some of the most commonly-asked questions when it comes to finding Amethyst in Utah:
Where can you find Amethyst Geodes in Utah?
Despite having a handful of excellent Amethyst-bearing sites, Utah doesn’t have locations where Amethyst Geodes naturally occur. But if you want to see and take home one, you can visit our local gem shops. We’ve listed some of the best ones that we have at the end of this article.
Is it illegal to collect Amethyst in Utah?
It’s legal to collect Amethyst in Utah, but it’s crucial to do so in accordance with our local collecting guides. As a general rule, make sure that you are respectful of our environment and any wildlife that you might encounter during your exploration. Also, secure any necessary permits or permissions before heading out.
The Best Places To Buy Amethyst In Utah
While the thrill and excitement of finding Amethyst in its natural environment is truly unparalleled, it’s just not for everyone. This is especially true if you’re looking for a certain characteristic for the perfect Amethyst to take home for your collection.
If you’re like this, we highly recommend visiting our local rock and gem shops that have a wide selection of Amethyst and other gemstones. Here are some of the great ones you can visit:
Bryson’s Rock Shop – 326 S Washington Blvd, Ogden, UT 84404
Cedar Rock & Bead Shop – 718 W 400 N #1, Cedar City, UT 84721
Healing Mountain Crystals – 363 S 500 E #210, Salt Lake City, UT 84102
Jim’s Gems and Jewelry – 362 E 1090 N, Orem, UT 84057
Rock & Gem Marvels – 640 E 700 S #201, St. George, UT 84770
Wandering Stones – 439 S Pleasant Grove Blvd, Pleasant Grove, UT 84062
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!
