The gemstone Amethyst was designated as the official South Carolina State Gemstone by the General Assembly June 24, 1969. South Carolina is one of three US States where the gemstone Amethyst is found and is of high quality. The curator of mineralogy for the Smithsonian Institute has graded one of the largest early specimens from this State as the finest seen in this country and is the most prized type of quartz for its wide use and various shades and hue from deep orchid color.
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The United States has a great diversity of Amethyst deposits from Maine, Pennsylvania and the Carolinas to Montana and Colorado. The color range of American Amethyst is generally from medium to high in saturation and may include smoky or translucent versions of crystal. Amethyst of Maine and the Carolinas is usually dark with North Carolina Amethyst having a bluish tint unique to that area. Very dark stones are sometimes heated to lighten and intensity color. Of course Amethyst is found all over the world with some of the best coming from Brazil, Uruguay, Russia and Zambia.
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One of the primary mines in South Carolina still in operation is the Diamond Hill Quartz Prospect in Antreville. Ametheyst is found at many other locations throughout the state on priviate property. Some owners allow digging, others do not and have their lands posted.
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