This year marks an extraordinary milestone for Diamond Willow Amethyst Mine—10 years since we reopened our doors in 2015, and over 50 years as a third-generation family operation. As Carol and I reflect on this incredible journey, we're filled with gratitude for the beautiful amethyst we've been fortunate to mine, the amazing people we've met along the way, and the visitors and staff who have made it all possible. None of this would exist without your support, our dedication, and our deep love for this mine.
The Beginning: Prospecting in the 1960s
Our story begins in the 1960s when Gunnard Noyes started prospecting and producing amethyst in the Thunder Bay region. His passion for these purple treasures and keen eye for quality specimens laid the foundation for everything that followed.
Gunnard Noyes 1975
A Guest Memory from Larry 50 Years Ago
My young wife and I were taking a camping trip from Crown Point, Indiana up around Lake Superior and back down. We enjoyed doing some rock collecting along the way. I had read books and such and heard that Amethyst was being mined at Pearl Station. We stopped in late in the afternoon and met Gunnard. We were really taken with his kindness. We asked about looking for Amethyst and said for us to come back the next morning. We camped at Silver Lake that night and headed back the next morning not knowing what to expect.
Gunnard had us get in his old pickup truck and that was an adventure. It was making a terrible noise and he got out and put a spark plug back in. While he drove us out to the mine area, he described all the animals and birds. We had to stop for a bit as a group of Grouse strutted down the road. We were really taken in by his narrative. We got to the area he was working and were absolutely taken aback. He showed us a huge vug lined with crystals that you could stick half your body in. I saw him pick up a heavy water pump and carry it. I offered to help but he said no thanks. He showed us amazing things in that area!
After a visit at the mine, he took us out to see some other areas. We sat down on rock overlooking the area that had been cleared for the power lines. First, he had to clean an area of the rock off for my wife and find a soft spot on the rock for her. We sat for quite awhile while he explained many things. He told us to be very careful in these cleared areas because as stuff started growing, it was a place to see bears. AND, he actually recited some poetry for us.
Once we got back to his house, we tried to pay him but he declined. He had found out my wife was a first grade teacher so he gave her a bunch of small amethyst pieces for her kids.
"Gunnard collecting, Oh dang forgot a pail"
"Gunnard showing Larry's some areas of the Pit"
The 1970s: Diamond Willow is Born
In the 1970s, the Diamond Willow Amethyst Mine officially opened as a family operation. Carol's childhood memories are filled with prospecting adventures alongside her grandfather Gunnard, working at the mine with her family. She started small—selling amethyst at a roadside table on the highway—before eventually working at the mine full-time. Those early days instilled a work ethic and love for the business that would shape her future.
Carol digging for Amethyst
Carrying the Torch Forward
When Gunnard passed away, Carol and her father Doug kept Diamond Willow going, honoring his legacy while building their own. But in 2007, after decades of operation, the mine closed to the public and full production ceased.
Doug Noyes
2015: A New Chapter Begins
In 2015, Carol and I made the bold decision to reopen the mine to the public and resume full production. What we found was both challenging and inspiring—nature had reclaimed the site. Trees and brush had grown over mining areas, buildings needed repair or removal, and the infrastructure required significant investment.
Restoration and Renewal
The work was immense:
- Reclearing mining areas overtaken by forest
- Repairing and removing buildings as needed
- Restoring the original Diamond Willow shop that Doug had relocated to its current spot (a building we debated removing but chose to honor and expand instead)
- Investing in equipment, road maintenance, site maintenance, and displays
- Building a sustainable operation that honors the past while looking to the future
Running a mining operation requires ongoing investment and dedication, but every challenge has been worth it.
2014 prior to deciding to rebuild
In the rebuilding phase, new facia boards, roof structure, roofing, Doors, windows, leveling support beams ect.
2015, ready to open shop
In 2016 we decided it needed new siding and tounge and groove pine on the inside
2021 we expanded the shop to what it is today
My Father Lawrence Leroux & My son Tyler Fayle helped install the initial billboards
Beyond Mining: Crafting and Curation
Over the past decade, we've expanded beyond mining to include jewelry making and crafting with local stones. We've also carefully sourced beautiful minerals from across Canada and around the world to complement our shop offerings, creating a curated collection that celebrates both our Thunder Bay heritage and the global mineral landscape.
In 2022, we opened a second location—Amethyst Country Rock & Gift Shop—a beautiful retail space that allows us to share our passion for minerals and handcrafted pieces with even more visitors. Its located on the way to Sleeping Giant Provincial Park. This expansion represents our commitment to making the beauty of Thunder Bay amethyst and quality minerals accessible to everyone.
Amethyst Country Rock and Gift shop
Billboard on the 587 hwy
Committed to Our Community
Being part of the Thunder Bay region means more than just mining amethyst—it means giving back to the community that has supported us. We're proud to create local jobs and contribute to the regional economy. Throughout the years, we've supported community initiatives, donated to local causes, contributed prizes to regional events, and helped where we can. Our success is intertwined with the success of our community, and we're committed to being good neighbors and active participants in making this region thrive.
annual school visits
Gratitude and Celebration
As we celebrate this dual milestone—10 years since reopening and over 50 years as a third-generation family mine—we're planning a special celebration to honor this journey. We have countless photos documenting the transformation, the specimens, and the memories made along the way.
Grand re opening cake from 2015
One of our first signs of many
To our visitors: thank you for making the journey to see us.
To our staff: thank you for your hard work and passion.
To our family legacy: we're honored to carry it forward.
Here's to the next chapter of Diamond Willow Amethyst Mine—may it be filled with as much beauty, discovery, and connection as the last 50 years.
— Brandon Leroux