Mine History

The Four Peaks Mine is a famous location for the quality of gemmy natural color amethyst it produces. It rivals the old Siberian color of the Russian Ural Mountains. It has also produced large gemstones in sizes up to several hundred carats.

The Four Peaks Mine has a long history. It was originally discovered at the turn of the century by Jim McDaniels, a gold prospector looking to strike it rich. Unfortunately, for him, what he discovered was not gold, but a different part of the gold equation - amethyst…perfect for fine gold jewelry.

It wasn’t until the 1940’s (when the mine was patented from the mineral location to private land ownership) that actual systematic mining began to take place. The mine has always been worked by hand due to its remote location, high up in the Mazatzal mountain range. The Mazatzal’s are 8,000 feet high, 35 miles long and, at the very southern tip, are the very distinctive, four identical peaks, forever known as Four Peaks.

The amethyst mine is on the southernmost peak at an elevation of 7,200 feet. There are only two ways into the mine: a quick and expensive helicopter ride (the easy way), or a drive followed by an uphill hike (the more economical way). The latter method consists of a two-hour drive by truck to what is called The Saddle, which puts you up about 5,000 feet. This is where the fun begins…you must then make a two-hour, calf-burning hike up and across all four peaks to reach the mouth of the mine. This is the main reason that the mine has been worked by hand for most of its years. There was no economical way to get equipment and supplies in, other than by foot. Now the Four Peaks Mining Company will helicopter in the equipment and supplies to make this a true mine production. The rough will be periodically helicoptered out.

Four Peaks has all grades of amethyst, with color ranging from pink and pale lilac to violet and deep, rich purple with reddish glints. The reddish-purple variety is the most prized and is comparable to the super-fine Siberian gems. Of course, as in any mining operation, there will only be a limited amount of true gem quality.

The Four Peaks Mining Company has launched a joint effort with the Commercial Mineral Company to create the first truly professional operation to produce and market the beautiful amethyst from the Four Peaks Mine. All of the cut stones will be produced in Bangkok, Thailand where the stones will be cut into calibrated and fancy shapes in grades ranging from medium to gem quality.