Georgia is known for its abundance of amethysts, but finding these precious gems can be challenging without proper guidance. Without a clear understanding of the geology and mineralogy of the region, one may spend countless hours digging through the wrong areas, only to come up empty-handed.
However, with some help from our guides, you can increase your chances of discovering these beautiful and rare gems.
Historically, amethysts have been used as a symbol of royalty and spirituality, and they have been prized for their ability to stimulate the mind and enhance intuition. Today, amethysts are popular for use in jewelry and as decorative items, and they remain one of the most sought-after gemstones in the world.
Whether one is a seasoned collector or a first-time adventurer, the opportunities to find and appreciate amethysts in Georgia are endless.
What is Georgia Amethyst?
Amethyst is a purple-hued, dazzling gemstone prized for centuries for its beauty and spiritual significance. This gemstone is a type of quartz formed in geodes, like hidden treasure troves tucked away in the nooks and crannies of rocky outcrops.
To find amethyst, you must know where to look – it’s like searching for a needle in a haystack! Common locations for amethyst include mountainous areas and rocky terrain, where the crystals are formed deep within the earth’s crust and then brought to the surface over time through geological processes.
You might have to trek through rough terrain and climb cliffs to get to these precious stones, but the reward is worth it!
Once you find an amethyst, you’ll feel like you’ve hit the jackpot – it’s like finding a diamond in the rough. With a bit of luck and determination, you, too, can uncover the hidden beauty of amethyst.
- 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 Georgia
Here are the best places in Georgia to find amethysts, in our opinion. There are numerous excellent locations to mine for gems in Georgia, but relatively few are great for finding amethysts. Even though some of these places are not well-known, they have regularly provided us with exciting options while looking.
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.
These requirements are subject to change without notice and may differ from what we state below.
Always get updated information directly from the source ahead of time to ensure responsible rockhounding.
Big Beryl Mine
The Big Beryl Mine in Georgia is a hidden gem for rockhounds and mineral enthusiasts. Located in the northern part of the state, this mine is in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, surrounded by rugged terrain and picturesque landscapes. It’s like a hidden oasis, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
The mine is named after the mineral beryl, a gemstone in various colors, including green, blue, and pink. The mine is also known for its abundance of other minerals, including mica, feldspar, and quartz.
Ensure you know Georgia’s most recent collecting laws before bringing anything home.
Where we found amethyst in the Big Beryl Mine
We found amethysts in all the Big Beryl Mine mining areas.
The tools every amethyst hunter will need
When you're out looking for amethyst having the right tools for the job is really going to make or break your success. You don't need a lot for most trips but there are a handful that are critical and will make your life a lot easier.
We get asked a lot about the equipment we use. Over the years we've found a handful of tools that we recommend to both new and experienced amethyst hunters which we outline in great detail in our complete rockhounding tools and kit guide. These are quality options that also happen to be relatively inexpensive.
Below are the basic tools that make your life so much easier and save you a ton of time. Check out the full guide to see everything we recommend bringing. One quick note, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases but we try very hard to only recommend gear we would use ourselves and often recommend brands you can't find on Amazon.
At a minimum you should have:
1 - Sturdy rock hammer: The Estwing Rock Pick is our standard
2 - Rugged chisels: Try Kendo' 3-piece Chisel Set
3 - Compact shovel: The Koleiya 28-inch shovel works well
4 - Rock screen pan: The Wazakura Soil Sieve Set fits the bill
5 - Eye protection: DeWalt Safety Glasses are cheap and comfortable
6 - Head protection: Malta's Safety Helmet has been our go-to
7 - Jewelers lens with at least 20x magnification: Jarlink's Jewelers Loop is perfect
The amethyst-finding books that we use most
There are also a few books that have been extremely helpful in the search for gems. These books have great recommendations and tips:
National Audubon Society Field Guide to Rocks and Minerals: North America
Southeast Treasure Hunter's Gem & Mineral Guide
Earth Treasures: The Southeastern Quadrant
We provide links to find these tools on Amazon but some can also be found at your local hardware stores. For more recommendations check out the link to our full tool guide above.
Coldwater Creek
Coldwater Creek is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Georgia, offering stunning scenery and unique geological features. Located in the northern part of the state, rugged mountains and lush forests surround this creek – it’s like a nature lover’s paradise. The creek is known for its crystal-clear waters, perfect for outside activities.
The geology of Coldwater Creek is quite fascinating – it’s like a natural laboratory waiting to be explored. The creek runs through an area of the Appalachian Mountains rich in minerals, including quartz, feldspar, and mica. These minerals are formed within pegmatite veins, created by the slow cooling of magma deep within the earth’s crust.
To get to Coldwater Creek, you must navigate some rocky terrain and steep hills. But once you arrive, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views and the peaceful sound of rushing water.
Where we found amethyst in the Coldwater Creek
Amethysts can be located along the banks of Coldwater Creek. Check out our guide to amethyst crystal prices if you want to know the value of your finds!
Garret Mine
The Garrett Mine in Georgia is a historic mine located in the northeast part of the state. The mine has a long history of producing significant amounts of gold and other precious metals. It has been operating since the early 1800s and has seen its fair share of ups and downs.
Today, the Garrett Mine is still a working mine known for its rich deposits of gold and other valuable metals. The mine is managed by a team of experienced professionals who use advanced techniques and technology to extract the minerals from the ground.
Where we found amethyst in the Garrett Mine
You can find amethysts in and around the Garrett Mine.
Hogg Mine
The Hogg Mine in Georgia is another historic mine located in the western part of the state. The mine has operated since the early 1800s and has a long history of producing gemstones, particularly amethyst, and quartz.
The mine was named after William Hogg, a prominent businessman who owned the property in the late 1800s. Hogg was known for his contributions to the community and his philanthropy.
The Hogg Mine is a popular destination for rockhounds and mineral enthusiasts, who come from all over the world to collect specimens from the mine’s rich deposits. The mine is managed by a team of experienced professionals who take great care to ensure visitors’ safety and the site’s preservation.
Where we found amethyst in the Hogg Mine
Amethysts are located at the Hogg Mine in Troup County.
Rabun County
Rabun County is a scenic and historic county in Georgia’s northeast corner. Known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities, Rabun County is a popular destination for tourists and outdoor enthusiasts.
Rabun County has a rich history dating back to the 1800s when it was a hub for agriculture and mining. Today, the county has several historic sites and landmarks, including the Foxfire Museum and Heritage Center, which preserves the area’s Appalachian culture and traditions. The county is also abundant in mines where you can find different crystals and rocks.
Where we found amethyst in Rabun County
There is an abundance of amethysts in Rabun County. You can find them in the following places:
- The Wilson Farm in Clayton
- The Smith Mine
- The Black Creek along the Rabun Gap
- At Tallulah River
- At John A. Wilson Prospect
- At the Ledbetter Mine and Prospect
- The mine dumps at Mountain City area
- In North Georgia Company Mine
Other Great Places To Mine For Amethyst in Georgia
Our recommendations by county
We’ve mentioned our best picks for amethyst spots in Georgia, but we can still suggest many more areas. To make things easier, we’ve sorted them by county below.
| County | Location |
| Cherokee | The Bennet, Chapman, and Hendrix mica mines |
| Elbert | Antioch Mine |
| Elbert | Perkins Place |
| Elbert | The Yellow Mine |
| Fayette | Loose in field soil of Homer Kelin Farm |
| Forsyth | Gilbert Mine |
| Forsyth | Area pegmatite outcrops of Sheltonville |
| Fulton | Durell Cook Farm |
| Greene | Siloam Quarry |
| Henry | Millers Mill |
| Jasper | Area roadcuts of Hillsboro |
| Jasper | Barron Fullerton Hospital area |
| McDuffle | Germany Creek |
| Morgan | Area of Benny Ray |
| Towns | In banks and gravels of Charlie’s Creek |
| Union | South of Hightower Bald, between Jacks Branch and Shoal Branch |
Additional areas you can find amethyst
We want to help you search because Georgia has a large territory. You should explore the following significant and more specific locations where amethysts are regularly found:
Mines and mine dumps
Mines and mine dumps are great places to find amethyst for collectors because they often contain the necessary geological conditions that lead to the formation of amethyst. Amethyst is a purple variety of quartz that forms in cavities within igneous and metamorphic rocks.
These rocks are often found in mines or mine dumps, and excavated during mining operations.
Mines and mine dumps also allow collectors to find high-quality specimens of amethyst. The amethyst crystals found in these locations are often larger and more well-formed than in other locations. This is because the crystals have had more time to grow and develop in the stable, protected environment of the mine or mine dump.
Quarries
Quarries are great places to find amethyst for collectors because they offer an environment where amethyst can grow and thrive. Amethyst is a variety of quartz formed when silica-rich fluids fill cavities in rocks and crystallize over time.
Quarries often expose large rock areas containing these cavities, providing an ideal location for amethyst to form.
In addition to the favorable geological conditions, quarries can yield high-quality amethyst specimens. The amethyst crystals found in quarries are often larger and more well-formed than in other locations. This is because the crystals have had more time to grow and develop in the stable, protected environment of the quarry.
Rivers and riverbanks
Rivers and riverbanks are great places to find amethyst for collectors because they provide a natural environment where crystals can form and be easily accessible. Amethyst is a variety of quartz that forms in cavities within igneous and metamorphic rocks.
Over time, these rocks can be weathered and eroded, releasing the amethyst crystals into the surrounding soil and water.
As rivers flow over these rocks and minerals, they can transport amethyst crystals downstream, eventually depositing them along riverbanks. This process can create a rich source of amethyst specimens that enthusiasts and collectors can collect.
Streams and creeks
Rivers and riverbanks are great places to find amethyst for collectors because they provide a natural environment where crystals can form and be easily accessible. Amethyst is a variety of quartz that forms in cavities within igneous and metamorphic rocks. Over time, these rocks can be weathered and eroded, releasing the amethyst crystals into the surrounding soil and water.
As rivers flow over these rocks and minerals, they can transport amethyst crystals downstream, eventually depositing them along riverbanks. This process can create a rich source of amethyst specimens that enthusiasts and collectors can collect.
Common Amethyst-Hunting Questions
It’s important to respond to certain often asked questions about Georgia amethysts, like the following:
Where can you find amethyst geodes in Georgia?
Unfortunately, Georgia doesn’t naturally have amethyst geodes, but there are several rock shops nearby where you might be able to discover them, as well as other gems.
Is it illegal to collect amethyst in Georgia?
Amethyst collecting is permitted in Georgia if you abide by municipal regulations. If you’re on public land, follow all relevant local laws. Make sure you have permission if you’re on private property.
The Best Places To Buy Amethyst In Georgia
Not everyone likes spending hours stumbling through the woods in search of amethysts. Sometimes, all you need for your collection or workplace is something aesthetic and easy to obtain. The following is a list of rock shops where you can easily buy amethyst crystals.
- Crystal Blue – 1168 Euclid Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
- Crystal Hound Minerals – 10101 Davis St #100, Braselton, GA 30517
- The Olde Ones – 4086 Covington Hwy Ste 1300, Decatur, GA 30032
- Stoneage Natural Rocks and Crystals – 3333 Buford Dr #1022, Buford, GA 30519
- Wingostarr Jewelry Studio – 10 S Brooks St Suite 2, Cleveland, GA 30528
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!
