Is There Amethyst in Utah?
Yes, there are five locations in Utah where Amethyst has been found and is still available for the rock hound to collect. You won’t find the large towers of Crystal Amethyst you see in stores and at Rock and Gem shows. Those specimens mostly come from South America and Madagascar. But you can find smaller crystals in pale colors. There is always the outside chance you’ll find a small specimen with several crystal formations, but you’ll have to dig for it.
Where Can I Find Some?
There are five locations noted in rock hounding books for Utah. All five are on the Western Desert of the I-15 corridor. Indian Creek in Beaver County; Iron Springs in Iron County; Topaz Mountain Area in Juab County; Crystal Peak in Millard County; and North of Marysville in Piute County. If you’d like the names of the books email me for the titles and authors.
Is the rock gemstone quality?
Some of it could be used for jewelry, however it is mostly a pale lavender and about the size of a dime. It’s more for specimens than Jewelry. However, those that do wire wrapping could use them for accent pieces or combinations. Be aware that Amethyst is much like Topaz, it fades in the sunlight.
February Birthstone is Amethyst
It’s a macrocrystaline quartz. One of the most common minerals in the Earth’s crust, quartz has two forms and comes in a large array of colors. Amethyst is just one. The February Birthstone card is available to download here.