When you’ve put in the hours searching for rocks, you know that finding a brilliant amethyst in Wisconsin is absolutely worth the effort. However, figuring out where to even begin your hunt is the real challenge.
The Badger State offers much more than just dairy farms and famous football teams; tucked within its landscape are sparkling quartz crystals in various colors, especially the deep purple hue that makes amethyst so desirable.
Collecting these unique gems successfully isn’t a matter of random luck; it comes down to understanding the specific environments where they form and are exposed. You can save countless hours of digging in places that just won’t pay off by focusing your efforts on key spot locations.
Having the right knowledge can help reduce the time you spend wandering aimlessly. Get ready to learn the best spots in state for amethyst!
What is Wisconsin Amethyst?
Amethyst is a popular gemstone that belongs to the quartz family. The intensity of its color varies from pale lilac to deep purple, with some stones exhibiting a red or blue flash when viewed from certain angles. It’s a hard and durable gemstone, ranking 7 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness.
The name “Amethyst” is derived from the Greek word “amethystos,” which means “not intoxicated,” as it was believed to have sobering effects in ancient times. Highly sought-after for its beauty, this gemstone is a favorite among jewelry enthusiasts, collectors, and crystal healers alike.
Amethyst can be found in various locations around the world, including Brazil, Uruguay, Zambia, Madagascar, Russia, and the United States. In the US, it’s found in several states, including Wisconsin.
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 Spot To Find Amethyst in Wisconsin
Wisconsin has plenty of great sites to mine gems, but not all of them have Amethysts, too. That’s why we went around our state to discover the rare spots where this equally-rare natural wonder can be found. Make sure to check this out!
Unfortunately, amethysts are very rare in Wisconsin and there are not many good places to find them. To give you additional options, we included some other places that are relatively easy to travel to that are great for finding Amethysts.
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
Whitehall
Whitehall is a small town that sits in a valley surrounded by hills and forests. It’s not a big city, but it’s easy to get to if you’re coming from the nearby cities of La Crosse or Eau Claire. This hilly town is located in the Driftless Area, so it’s not flat like many other parts of our state.
And because it’s part of the Cambrian sandstone formation, this area has layers of rock that were formed millions of years ago. Having been exposed over time, these layers create the unique landscape that we see today.
The Amethysts that can be found here were formed in these rocks. Just familiarize yourself with our Wisconsin’s local collecting guidelines and you’re good to start your Amethyst mining here.
Where we found amethyst in Whitehall
You can find Amethyst in the road cuts and stream cuts just north of Whitehall area in Trempealeau County.
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
Crum Creek in Pennsylvania
One of the nearest locations in Wisconsin where you can find Amethyst is the beautiful Crum Creek in Pennsylvania.
With its rolling hills, lush forests, and meandering streams, it’s no wonder Crum Creek is filled with geological wonders. Its terrain can be rugged at times, but it’s not too difficult to navigate if you’re an experienced hiker. The area is rich in volcanic activity, which has led to the formation of Amethyst in the rocks.
To get here, you can take the highway and go on a pretty easy drive from Wisconsin. Once you’re here, you can explore the area through its hiking trails and scenic overlooks. And if you’re after its Amethysts, you’ll need to venture out into its hills and forests, which will be easier on your hiking boots!
Where we found amethyst in Crum Creek
You can find Amethyst in different parts of Crum Creek, specifically the following:
- Crum Creek Road at the Randolph farm
- Morgan Hunter farm
- Along Crum Creek in Worrell
There are some solid options here making it one of the better amethyst mining spots.
In case you’re wondering about Amethyst value, here’s a complete guide that you can refer to.
Cross River in Minnesota
Aside from being a stunning location, Cross River in Schroeder, Minnesota is also known for containing Amethyst. In fact, it’s one of the nearest locations to Wisconsin where you can find this gemstone.
Its rolling hills, meandering streams, and dense forests make Cross River the beauty that it is. Its terrain can be rugged at times, but it’s not too difficult to navigate if you’re an experienced hiker. The rich volcanic activity of the area has led to the formation of Amethyst in its rocks.
If you’re planning to go here, you should know that Cross River is a great destination for a weekend trip. The town of Schroeder is nearby and has some great restaurants and shops, so you can have some reprieve here after a tiring, but fulfilling Amethyst mining.
Where we found amethyst in Cross River
We recommend exploring the different parts of Cross River, especially its streams, to find Amethyst here.
Buckland Mine in Missouri
Buckland Mine is a hidden gem in Missouri that’s definitely worth the trip if you’re looking to find Amethyst near Wisconsin. This area is easily accessible by car, and the drive through the Ozark Mountains is a sight to see.
As you can see in the photo, Buckland Mine has rugged hills, dense forests, and meandering creeks. Its terrain can be challenging, but not too difficult to reach.
Getting to this place is easy, and what’s better is that there are some great hotels and restaurants nearby. Aside from Amethyst mining, you can also explore the area for its great hiking trails and scenic views.
Where we found amethyst in Buckland Mine
To find Amethysts, make sure to explore the in and around this filled sink iron mine at Rolla.
Tessentee Creek in North Carolina
Tessentee Creek in North Carolina is a beautiful location that offers a chance to explore nature’s beauty and hunt for amethyst, if you’re after a location that’s near Wisconsin.
Tessentee Creek’s geography is characterized by rolling hills, lush forests, and crystal-clear streams. Because of its volcanic activity, the Amethyst that can be found here is known for its deep purple color and exceptional clarity.
If you’re interested in finding Amethyst here, you’ll need to venture out into the hills and forests. It’s not always easy, but with a little bit of patience and persistence, you might just find some of the most beautiful specimens out there.
Where we found amethyst in Tessentee Creek
There are plenty of specific spots along Tessentee Creek where you can find Amethyst, such as the following:
- Willima Long Prospect
- American Gem and Pearl Company workings
- Rhodes Mine
- Long Mine
- Connally Mine
Common Amethyst-Hunting Questions
Here are some of the most commonly-asked questions by those who are planning to find Amethyst in Wisconsin. We’ll answer them in case you have the same questions in mind:
Where can you find Amethyst Geodes in Wisconsin?
Unfortunately, Amethyst geodes do not naturally grow in Wisconsin, but this doesn’t mean you can’t take home one when you visit here. We have a handful of local rock and gem shops that have Amethyst geodes in their selections, and we’ve listed below some of the best ones that you can pay a visit to.
Is it illegal to collect amethyst in Wisconsin?
Collecting Amethyst is legal in Wisconsin for as long as you’re compliant with our local collecting guidelines. Also, make sure you secure any necessary permission or permit, depending on the area you will explore, before engaging in any collecting activity.
The Best Places To Buy Amethyst In Wisconsin
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:
The Gem Shop, Inc. – W64N723 Washington Ave, Cedarburg, WI 53012
Steven’s Rocks and Gifts – 134 E Main St, Marshall, WI 53559
Blue Bead & Rock Shop – 1043 Main St, Stevens Point, WI 54481
Mystic Moraine Minerals – 500 W Milwaukee St, Janesville, WI 53548
Door County Rock & Gem – Main St, Fish Creek, WI 54212
Burnie’s Rock Shop – 901 E Johnson St, Madison, WI 53703
Gary’s Rock Shop – 317 S Main St, Viroqua, WI 54665
Mystical Earth Gallery – 220 Main St, Menasha, WI 54952
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!
