Amethyst Jewelry-Where Is It Mined?

Amethyst Jewelery-Where Is It Mined? Amethyst is a semi-precious gem stone commonly used for amethyst rings and necklaces, spiritual healing, and decorating. The gem in this photo was brought home from a trip to Northern Ontario. In the small town north of Thunder Bay, Ontario is a fully functioning mine called the Purple Haze Mine. My husbands family has a summer camp in Ontario, and has the privilege of knowing the owners of this mine and they make necklaces, earrings, and rings . This stone was originally a large rock about 2' x 3' prior to Hurricane Katrina. It sat on the hearth of my in-laws fireplace. During Katrina their house was destroyed by what we believe was one of the many tornados sighted in the area,

We found several large chunks and numerous smaller pieces spread across the yard after the storm passed. If you look at the stone you can see that the formation of the crystals and the colors vary within the stone. The best and most valued portion is the deep purple sections . You have probably seen the dark purple crystals. The dark and deeper the color a stone is, the more valuable it becomes. You will often see veins of citrine deposited near and within amethyst. Sometimes you will see it engineered together to form exquisite pieces.

Unlike other gem stones can be cut in to beads and well as a faceted stone to make adornments . People born in February enjoy it as a birthstone. Jewelry is one of the most common uses for it. It is used in pendant, rings, bracelets, earrings, and other types of wearables.

Many artist use it in it's natural states for bases of art pieces or us the crystals to decorate sculptures. It is said to have healing powers as well.

Amethyst is a type of quartz, which forms naturally in nature, in the form of elongated crystal. Many people believe that it has metaphysical properties and emits healing power. Amethyst is believed to protect people from geopathic stress. This is the stress caused from electrical lines, cell phone, and other electronic devices. It is also used to treat depression, especially depression from lack of sunlight during the winter months.

Amethyst is often used to reduce blood pressure and appetite, by emitting light rays through the stone to create violet light. It is also said to open the right side of the brain releasing a person's creativity. The stone may be used during meditation, many believe that mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia could be negatively affected by its use.

The Purple Haze Mine is located just north of Thunder Bay, Ontario

just north of the City of Thunder Bay, at the top of Lake Superior. It is well above the level of Lake Superior and has been in operation since 1981. Amethyst is drilled, pried and wedged out of the seams and vugs (a cavity formed inside of a rock) of the great granite fault.

If you are visiting the area you can arrange a visit to the mine. Each season begins after the snow melt, making mining possible. Throughout the winter previously mined rocks are cleaned and discoveries of quality amethyst are made. Some of the finest amethyst comes from the Purple Haze Mine. Amethyst is sold and made into jewelry and other collectable. When you visit check out the home-based gift shop and bring home some treasure to enjoy.

This photo is from purplehazeamethyst.com and shows you the rocky terrain that is so prominent in Northern Ontario.