Collecting amethysts in Washington state without the proper guidance can be challenging. These gorgeous gems are tucked away in remote locations, making it tricky to stumble upon them by chance.
Our team has scoured Washington State to unearth some fantastic options that will increase your chances of success. We’ve tapped into the wisdom of local geologists, rockhounding communities, and experienced treasure hunters to provide a comprehensive guide.
With detailed guides, insider tips, and a pinch of luck, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the rugged terrain and uncover those elusive amethysts. So embrace the thrill of the hunt and let the magic of amethysts illuminate your world!
What is Washington Amethyst?
Amethysts are a sight to behold. Their rich, vibrant purple hues are like a mesmerizing dance of colors captured in stone. They have this magical ability to captivate your gaze and transport you to a realm of sheer beauty.
Whether you’re an avid collector or simply someone who appreciates the finer things in life, amethysts will surely leave you spellbound. From delicate jewelry pieces to more enormous, jaw-dropping specimens, these gemstones have an allure that’s hard to resist.
It might be worth a lot of money if you’re fortunate enough to find a perfect one. Even if you’re not in it for the money, it’s hard not to be enamored with amethysts since they are so beautiful. And because of the wealth of available information, anyone can efficiently conduct an amethyst search.
- 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 Washington
Below is a list of the most excellent places to look for amethyst in the state. Although there are many unusual locations to find gems in Washington, only a few are great for finding amethyst crystals.
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.
Abernathy Peak
Abernathy Peak, nestled in the breathtaking landscapes of Washington state, is a prime location for amethyst enthusiasts to embark on their quest for these stunning gemstones. Situated in the rugged Cascade Range, this majestic peak offers an irresistible combination of geological wonders and untamed beauty.
Abernathy Peak boasts a geological composition that is conducive to the formation of amethysts. The region is blessed with volcanic activity that occurred millions of years ago, leaving behind a rich tapestry of rocks and minerals.
These volcanic eruptions created the perfect conditions for amethysts to thrive, as molten lava interacted with silica-rich solutions, giving birth to these beautiful purple crystals.
Ensure you know the most recent Washington state collecting laws and restrictions before bringing your amethyst crystals home.
Where we found amethyst at Abernathy Peak
Amethysts can be found in the rocky slopes and outcrops surrounding the peak. These rugged surfaces, formed by ancient volcanic activity, offer a promising hunting ground for amethyst enthusiasts. The molten lava interacted with silica-rich solutions, creating pockets and veins where amethyst crystals could form and flourish.
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
Northwest Treasure Hunter's Gem & Mineral Guide
Earth Treasures: The Northwestern 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.
Denny Mountain
Denny Mountain boasts a unique geological composition that sets the stage for amethyst formation. The region’s volcanic history, characterized by ancient lava flows and volcanic activity, provides the ideal conditions for creating these alluring purple crystals.
As molten lava interacted with silica-rich solutions, it formed amethyst pockets and veins within the rocky landscapes of Denny Mountain. The mountain’s diverse terrain, featuring rocky slopes, scree fields, and exposed outcrops, provides ample opportunities to explore and discover hidden amethyst specimens.
Where we found amethyst at Denny Mountain
Keep an eye on the fields scattered throughout Denny Mountain. These areas, comprised of loose rocks and debris, can serve as hotspots for amethyst discoveries. As erosion occurs and rock fragments shift, it can reveal amethysts once concealed beneath the surface. The current amethyst value can be found in this guide we’ve created.
Rock Creek
Rock Creek presents an enticing opportunity for amethyst enthusiasts searching for these captivating gemstones. This charming creek, flowing through the region’s rugged terrain, holds the potential for amethyst discoveries.
The surrounding area boasts a rich volcanic history, which played a significant role in forming amethysts. As ancient volcanic activity interacted with silica-rich solutions, it created favorable conditions for the growth of these exquisite purple crystals.
Where we found amethyst at Rock Creek
You can find amethysts in the gravel beds and banks of the creek itself. Natural processes like erosion and sediment transport have carried amethysts downstream, depositing them in these areas.
Spray Park
The natural beauty and accessibility of Spray Park make it an excellent location for amethyst enthusiasts. The park offers picturesque hiking trails through alpine meadows, lush forests, and rocky landscapes. This allows you to explore the area and search for amethysts amidst the scenic surroundings.
The combination of awe-inspiring vistas and the excitement of amethyst hunting creates a truly memorable experience. Immerse yourself in the natural wonders of Spray Park, and let the hidden beauty of amethysts reveal itself to you in this enchanting corner of Washington state.
Where we found amethyst at Spray Park
Pay close attention to the gravel and sediment within Spray Park’s streams and creeks. Over time, natural processes have carried amethysts downstream, depositing them in these waterways’ gravel beds and banks.
Walker Valley
Walker Mountain’s remote and untouched nature adds an allure to the amethyst-hunting experience. Away from the bustling crowds, this serene mountain offers a tranquil escape for seekers of these precious gems.
The rugged terrain, dotted with rocky outcrops, scree fields, and hidden nooks, presents a challenging yet rewarding adventure for those determined to uncover amethyst treasures.
Where we found amethyst at Walker Mountain
Exploring the creek beds and drainage areas on Walker Mountain can prove fruitful. Amethysts can be transported by water flow and deposited in these locations. You can also search the rocky outcrops and cliffs on the mountain’s slopes. These geological formations provide potential pockets and veins where amethyst crystals may have formed.
Other Great Places To Mine For Amethyst in Washington
Our recommendations by county
Although we’ve already listed some of the most incredible places to look for amethyst crystals in Washington State, there are still plenty more that we can recommend. To make things easier, we’ve sorted them by county below.
| County | Location |
| King | Denny Gulch |
| King | Hansen Creek |
| King | Spruce Ridge |
| Kittitas | Crystal Mountain |
| Pierce | Siegmund Ranch |
| Skamania | Dog Mountain |
Additional areas you can find amethyst
Washington is a large state, so we want to ensure your search is effective. It’s essential to search and pay attention to specific amethyst sites.
Rivers and riverbanks
Rivers and riverbanks are undoubtedly exceptional locations for amethyst collectors to uncover the treasures they seek. These busy waterways hold a special allure for amethyst enthusiasts due to the geological processes that occur along their paths. As rivers flow through diverse landscapes, they act as natural agents of erosion, carving their way through rocks and sediment.
The continuous flow of water is a crucial factor contributing to the accumulation of amethysts in riverbeds. As the river current interacts with various geological formations, it dislodges loose rocks and minerals, including amethyst crystals.
Roadcuts
Roadcuts, those intriguing slices through hillsides and mountainsides created during road construction or maintenance, hold immense appeal for amethyst collectors searching for these captivating gemstones.
These man-made exposures offer a unique opportunity to glimpse the geological wonders hidden beneath the surface. Roadcuts provide a window into the Earth’s layers, exposing a cross-section of rocks and minerals, including amethysts, that would otherwise remain concealed.
Streams and creeks
Streams and creeks are enchanting havens for amethyst collectors searching for these exquisite gemstones. These flowing waterways weave through diverse landscapes, offering a unique opportunity to discover hidden treasures. The geological processes in these aquatic environments make them prime locations for finding amethysts.
The constant motion of the water plays a role in the shaping and polishing of amethysts. The flowing water gradually wears down the rough edges of these crystals, enhancing their natural beauty and making them more visually appealing to collectors.
Common Amethyst-Hunting Questions
The following frequently asked questions regarding amethysts in Washington should be addressed.
Where can you find amethyst geodes in Washington?
Even though amethyst geodes aren’t prevalent here, Washington state has many rock shops where you can purchase a range of amethyst specimens.
Is it illegal to collect amethyst in Washington?
In Washington, collecting amethyst is permitted if you abide by the restrictions. Respect any laws in force 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 Washington
Not everyone enjoys spending the entire day in the woods looking for amethysts. Sometimes all you need is a display piece or collecting item. Below is a list of rock shops where you can buy amethyst crystals.
- Agate Designs – 317 NW Gilman Blvd #15, Issaquah, WA 98027
- Crystallography Gems – 650 S Orcas St #218, Seattle, WA 98108
- Earlight Rocks and Gems – 7713 Center Blvd SE #180, Snoqualmie, WA 98065
- MJ Rocks and Gems – Temporarily located at the Everett mall, 16128 356th Ave SE, Sultan, WA 98294
- Wild Earth Rocks – 11607 State Route 302 NW, Suite B, Gig Harbor, WA 98329
Additional places to find amethyst in nearby states
Once you’ve visited each of the locations we mentioned above, visit the guides we created for our recommended areas to find amethyst in the bordering states:
If you have any recommendations for our list, please leave a comment below!
