The Blue Point Amethyst Mine
Ontario
Find: Thunder Bay Amethyst, ametrine, pyrite, calcite, chalcopyrite, smoky quartz, barite
GPS: 48.685365, -88.662798
Nearest city: Thunder Bay, ON
Recommended Vehicle: Any
Season: Open May through September. Exact dates are posted on the Facebook page.
Summary:
I’ve had the fortunate opportunity to make multiple visits to the Blue Point Amethyst Mine, but really got to explore it fully on my most recent trip in 2024.
You have the choice between 3 or 4 different public mines if you’re traveling to Thunder Bay. My favorite experience has been with Jordan at the Blue Point.
While you are technically digging tailings here, the mine is blasted on a weekly basis. Current prices were $25CAD/bucket which you can see me fill up in the video.
The Blue Point is a site that makes an awesome stop for families if you’re doing the Lake Superior Circle Tour.
Bring closed-toed shoes and safety glasses. If you plan on hammering and chiseling, fragments are sharp and fly fast.
Note: This is a paid dig site. The website is the best place to go for updates and information, which can be found here.
Video
Check out the video to best see what can be found when exploring this spot.
3 Helpful Tools
Long Handle Sledge
A large sledgehammer helped to “pop” open the larger boulders along their seams.
3lb Hammer
A smaller hammer will be helpful for trimming off the excess rock when paired with a chisel.
Flat Chisel
Pair a flat chisel with your small hammer to help line up your strikes along weak points in the boulders.
The first view of the pit. I came across 2 types of matrix rock in the boulders: shale and the much harder Canadian Shield, which looks like a red granite.
A handguard on the chisel is great here.
The red coloration makes Thunder Bay amethyst unique. It's a thin layer of hematite trapped under the outermost layer of crystal. (It doesn't wash off)
An action shot of splitting larger chunks down with the 12lb sledge.
This yellow stuff is known as ametrine.
This is just as came off a much larger boulder.
You'll see pieces like this just sitting right in the pile sometimes.
This one was another favorite of mine.
Many pieces will be found packed with mud. This often times will help protect the crystal underneath from scratches.
This was one of my largest ones. It was 42lbs - paid for separate from the buckets.
I used a pressure washer to clean these quickly.
You'll find cool surprises as you clean. This one had these neat red strips laced in with the amethyst.
An example of the hematite coating underneath the outermost layer of crystal.
This is a spot I hope I am able to return to many times.