I’ve posted an update of excellent specimens from all over the US, including many contemporary classics. From platinum, gold, silver and copper to Franklin willemite, Kelly smithsonite, Maine elbaite and so many more.

I’ve posted great new U.S. specimens from the Pete Richards Collection. These include copper from the Keweenaw Peninsula, a world-class awaruite, personally-collected NY hematite specimens and more

Just north of Lake Superior, the Thunder Bay District of Ontario is world famous for its distinctive, ancient amethyst crystals. Thunder Bay amethyst is remarkable for its variety – it occurs in all shades of purple and it is often further coloured by red hematite inclusions, the classic look of Thunder Bay amethyst. It is a long journey to the amethyst mines of the Thunder Bay District, and hopefully this article will bring this beautiful region, its history, geology, mines and collecting experience a bit closer!