Amethyst - 50 Years Ontario’s Sparkling Symbol!

Mining Matters has 50 FREE Amethyst Kits available for young Earth scientists across Canada. Each kit includes materials to build a paper amethyst crystal cluster and an amethyst pendant, along with instructions in English, links to instructions including French are provided below. Kits are limited to one per household and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Shipping is available within Canada only. 

Click here to request your FREE Amethyst Kit!

Did you know?

Ontario has a special mineral emblem—just like it has an official flower and bird. It’s amethyst, a dazzling purple gemstone, and 2025 marks 50 years since it was chosen to represent the province!

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Amethyst is a type of quartz known for its deep purple shine. Long ago, people believed it had magical powers. The ancient Greeks thought it could keep you from getting drunk, and in Biblical times, it was said to bring peaceful dreams. Even today, many see it as a symbol of calm, clarity, and wisdom.

So why was amethyst chosen in 1975? It’s naturally found in northwestern Ontario, especially around Thunder Bay. The crystals grow in stunning six-sided prisms with pointed tips, and their rich purple sparkle makes them a favourite among rock collectors around the world.

While it’s not the rarest gem, it’s not easy to find either—earning it the title of a semi-precious stone. Some crystals from northern Ontario are believed to be over a billion years old!

Back in the 1970s, people wanted a mineral emblem to match Ontario’s white trillium flower. After much discussion—some even voted for a blue mineral called sodalite—amethyst won the spotlight. It was the perfect pick to honour the province’s amazing geology and rich mining history.

Source: Adapted from Amethyst, Ontario’s Mineral Emblem by Edgar George Pye, Ph.D.