Our Story

We are a family owned and operated open pit Amethyst
Mine in the heart of Northwestern Ontario.

1960 - 1970s

Gunnard Noyes founder of Diamond Willow Amethyst Mine started prospecting and mining in the area in the 1960s, as it developed, he started the Diamond Willow Amethyst mine in the 1970s and continued to operate the mine with his family into the 1980s. Gunnard passed away in 1988.

1988 - 2007

Doug Noyes Gunnard’s son continued to operate the Diamond Willow Amethyst Mine up until 2007. He worked the mine with his daughter Carol (Noyes) Fayle and then Brandon Leroux started working at the mine in 1994 alongside Carol and her father up until 2007.

2007 - 2015

In 2007 the mine was closed to the public and as production resumed the mine was re opened to the public in 2015.

2015 - present day

The mine was re opened in 2015 by owners Carol (Noyes) Fayle and Brandon Leroux and have been working the mine traditionally to present day, we welcome all to come out and have a memorable experience at our unique Amethyst Mine.

This mine has always produced beautiful Amethyst with a
variety of colours and continues to do so today.

We now offer a great selection of Amethyst Specimens online, check out our Rock Shop!

Shop Now

Mining Amethyst

The Amethyst runs in quartz veins which often crop out on the surface. The veins will open up into hollow cavities called vugs which are lined with crystals.

Some of the best pieces we find come out of these vugs. We dig out the Amethyst carefully by hand with small hammers and chisels to avoid damage as much as possible.

Once we have dug out all we can by hand we will do small blasts to crack up the rock and carry on. Heavy equipment is also used for clean up and heavy lifting. Mining Amethyst is labour intensive and can be very rewarding on a good day.

Testimonials

Our family welcomes visitors from all over the world to have a unique experience at Diamond Willow Amethyst Mine!

Bobby Scott

Friendly owners, nice rocks, good prices! Had a blast with the kids and found some nice specimens!

Jason Flood

Amazing trip, great finds, great prices a must for rock hounds. Left with a bunch of pieces. Great roads up to the mine not too far from Thunder Bay. Very friendly owner. 5 stars

Lauren Mary

I can’t believe all the treasures I got for the price of a bucket. It was such a wonderful time with my family. My little cousins were occupied for hours and we all had a blast treasure hunting. The gift shop also has some absolutely magical pieces for very reasonable prices! Can’t wait to visit again!

Cynthia Watson-Chalat

Spend the afternoon there today with the grandkids. What a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. Definitely a place to go.

Tony Laskowski

Had a great time at Diamond Willow Mine. The owners were very friendly and knowledgeable. Beautiful sample of amethyst for any price range.

Chelle Belle

Very nice and knowledgeable staff members, great mine and supply of Amethyst. Our new favorite mine in Ontario. We will definitely go there again

Danika Roberts

Amazing friendly staff. Great inexpensive family outing. Highly recommended!

Sheena Bourne

Honestly had the best time digging through the nice fresh piles of amethyst straight from the mine. This is the place you want to go, the owners are amazing and are always around for knowledge of their great mine. Not to mention the beautiful blue, purple and red amethyst coming from their plot. I recommend checking inside the store as well, Carol makes some beautiful jewelry with the amethyst,especially the red

Jessica Weiler

This is a great place to visit. We had lots of fun looking for the gems. Great pricing

Gary Kindel

My family and I had a great time collecting! Very friend staff and very reasonably priced. Collecting here can be enjoyed by young children as well as experienced collectors. Will visit again.