How is Amethyst mined?

Amethysts are typically mined in drift mines. In this form of mining a mine shaft is dug down to the gemstone bearing rock (in the case of amethysts, they are usually found embedded in granite) and then gemstones are then dug out of the mountain by hand.

Large amethyst deposits have been found in Brazil and Uraguay and these are the major source for most amethysts on the market today.