Recently I have been asked about amethyst as gemstones to be mounted in jewelry. The clients were excited to learn where their gemstones were mined. Do you know there is an amethyst mine in Arizona? The mine site stretches 4.5 miles across all Four Peaks of the Mazatzal Mountain range, located within the Tonto National Forest. The mine is about 40 miles from downtown Phoenix. It is smaller than amethyst mines elsewhere in the world. Once the amethyst is brought out of the mine, it is cleaned, sorted and tumbled in Arizona. The better gem material is sent overseas to Thailand, China or Sri Lanka to be cut. The natural color is purple. Amethyst is well known as the birthstone for February. It is also the gemstone to commemorate the 6th wedding anniversary. Happy and healthy holidays to you and your loved ones! Glenna