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

Summary:

This is quite possibly my favorite spot on this website. 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 over the border in 2024.

Make no mistake, you have the choice between 3 or 4 different public mines if you’re traveling to Thunder Bay. In my personal experience, I have had the most interactive and encouraging experience with Jordan at the Blue Point. He’s well-traveled with some great stories and truly wants those that explore the mine to leave with the best finds possible.

There is always new material being blasted and the tailings pile is littered with deep red and bright purple. I believe current prices are $25 CAD per bucket, which you can see me fill up in the video. If you’re coming over and converting your American dollars, you’ll quickly see the value that can be had here.

This almost reads like an advertisement with how much I’ve enjoyed the place, but it really was just a 5-star experience that surpassed my expectations. We all know that many of those “dig your own” type places can be hit or miss.

I fully encourage you to stop for even just an afternoon if you’re passing through town - you won’t regret it!

Video Guide

Check out the video to best see what can be found when exploring this spot.

The first view of the pit. The matrix rock here is shale or portions of the much harder igneous Canadian Shield.

The first view of the pit. The matrix rock here is shale or portions of the much harder igneous Canadian Shield.

This yellow stuff is known as ametrine.

This yellow stuff is known as ametrine.

A big hammer seems a bit aggressive... but chisel around for a while, and you'll see why most opt for this approach.

A big hammer seems a bit aggressive... but chisel around for a while, and you'll see why most opt for this approach.

The red stuff is the treasure here - known as Thunder Bay amethyst.

The red stuff is the treasure here - known as Thunder Bay amethyst.

An amazon chisel with a handguard and a 3lb Estwing hammer were the combo that I went with and it was really successful.

An amazon chisel with a handguard and a 3lb Estwing hammer were the combo that I went with and it was really successful.

A nice purple one, uncleaned just as I broke it from the larger boulder.

A nice purple one, uncleaned just as I broke it from the larger boulder.

You'll see pieces like this just sitting right in the pile. This pocket was about the size of my outstretched hand.

You'll see pieces like this just sitting right in the pile. This pocket was about the size of my outstretched hand.

A spectacular piece of Thunder Bay, all cleaned up.

A spectacular piece of Thunder Bay, all cleaned up.

The stuff packed with dirt is sometimes best, as it protects the points from damage in the tailings piles.

The stuff packed with dirt is sometimes best, as it protects the points from damage in the tailings piles.

This is the same one as the previous pic, getting a bath in the Harbor Freight pressure washer.

This is the same one as the previous pic, getting a bath in the Harbor Freight pressure washer.

You'll find cool surprises as you clean. This one had these neat red strips laced in with the amethyst.

You'll find cool surprises as you clean. This one had these neat red strips laced in with the amethyst.

A personal favorite.

A personal favorite.

Here's my big one all cleaned up. I named her "Big Mama" - she weighed 42lbs.

Here's my big one all cleaned up. I named her "Big Mama" - she weighed 42lbs.

See why I like this place?

See why I like this place?