Do you love hunting for gemstones?

But are having doubts, "where do I go for crystal hunting in the UK?"

To make things easier, we did the hard research for you to go and explore different places perfect for gemstone hunting filled with abundant and unique gemstones in the UK. 

From the rugged cliffs of Cornwall to the mystic hills of Scotland to the beaches of Wales, the UK boasts a rich tapestry of minerals and crystals, each with its unique tale to tell.

Let’s dig a little deeper into the mystical buried treasures that lie in the heart of the UK. The ancient landscapes that hold secrets in the form of dazzling gemstones.

So put on your mining boots and let's start off with the best places to find gemstones in the UK - Scotland and Wales

Where to find gemstones in Scotland?

Scotland - the land of the lochs and Scotches is also a treasure trove of dazzling gems and crystals. 

Here are some places in scotland where gemstones are found abundantly.

Isle of Mull:

The Isle of Mull, located on the west coast of Scotland,  hides a diverse range of minerals, including agate, quartz, and calcite. Beachcombing and exploring rocky cliffs, and riverbeds yield geodes.

Isle of Arran:

Arran, often referred to as "Scotland in Miniature," is known for its geological diversity. Look for agate, jasper, and calcite on the island's beaches and cliffs. 

Cairngorm Mountains:

Scotland is famous for its Cairngorm Mountains, where you can find smoky quartz crystals. The area around Aviemore and the Cairngorms National Park is particularly known for these beautiful crystals.

Strathclyde:

Strathclyde, in the central-western region of Scotland, has agates in various colours. Beaches along the coast can be good spots for agate hunting.

Fife Coast:

Fife, located in the east of Scotland, has beaches where you can find agate, jasper, and other interesting stones.

Isle of mull, strathclyde and fife coast are the best beaches to go on gemstone hunting for agate, jasper and other semi precious stones in the UK.

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park:

Explore the rugged coastline of Pembrokeshire, where you might find crystals like agate, quartz, and other minerals washed ashore.

Wales:

Many riverbeds and streams in Wales can yield interesting stones, including quartz, jasper, and even small garnets. Look for areas with exposed rocks and gravel beds.

Let's move on to our next destination, Devon and Cornwall:

The two southwestern counties of Devon and Cornwall have seen some interesting gemstone discoveries, such as topaz, tourmaline, beryl, fluorite and amethyst.

Cornwall:

Cornwall has a stunning coastline with picturesque beaches.

Beachcombing along the shores, especially after storms, can yield interesting rocks, minerals, and possibly even small gemstones like quartz or agate washed up from the sea.

Turquoise, valued for its captivating blue-green hue, has been unearthed in limited quantities.

Seraphinite, with its intricate silver patterns on deep green, adds a touch of elegance to the region's gemstone repertoire.

Staurolite, known as fairy stone, is another intriguing find of Cornwall.

Devon:

Nestled in the heart of the stunning southwestern coast of England, Devon is a place of enchanting beauty and timeless charm.

The coastline of Devon is a masterpiece crafted by nature yielding Quartz crystals, including varieties like amethyst and citrine, The dramatic cliffs stand proudly holding treasures like agate, Calcite, Jasper and Chalcedony. 

Let's explore idyllic Yorkshire and quaint Derbyshire:

Yorkshire:

Nestled in the heart of England, Yorkshire stands as a testament to nature's artistry and heritage's resilience. Yorkshire is not just a destination; it's an experience.

Whitby in Yorkshire is famous for its jet, a type of lignite. Jet is a deep black gemstone used for centuries in jewellery. It's found along the cliffs and beaches of Whitby.

Derbyshire:

In the heart of England, where emerald hills meet cobalt skies, lies the enchanting county of Derbyshire.

A land of rolling dales, dramatic peaks, and ancient woodlands, Derbyshire is home to the rare and beautiful Blue John crystals.

Blue John is highly valued for its unique colour patterns and is often used in jewellery and ornamental objects. Besides Blue John, Derbyshire is rich in calcite deposits and Barite crystals

Although the UK is small, still some unique and interesting materials have been unearthed from its mountains, valleys and shores. There may be more hidden treasures in the UK waiting to be discovered.

Are you curious about what gemstones can be found on these enchanting islands?

The UK boasts some of the rarest gemstones found naturally. Let's take a look at some of them:

Amethyst:

The most common gemstone in the UK is amethyst, a captivating purple variety of quartz. Its colour can range from delicate lilac to deep, rich violet, making it one of the most prized varieties of quartz. 

Throughout history, amethyst has been associated with various myths and legends.

Scottish amethyst, in particular, is well-known for its deep purple colour and is often used in jewellery and ornamental items. Amethyst's enchanting colour and mystical allure make it a popular choice for jewellery designers. 

Amethyst emerged as a regal jewel in Europe and is renowned for its spiritual and healing properties.

Nestled within the heart of the British soil, amethyst crystals unveil their royal hues, ranging from delicate lilacs to deep purples, echoing the colours of twilight.

It is considered a powerful and protective stone, believed to enhance spiritual awareness and intuition. Many use amethyst in meditation practices to promote calmness and balance the mind.

If you want to save up time and find a beautiful amethyst jewellery directly, explore our stunning range of amethyst rings here.

Opals:

Opals are a highly sought-after gemstone, renowned for their beauty and variety of shades in the UK.

Amidst the rolling hills and along the whispering streams, Opals, with their kaleidoscope of colours, mirror the magic of twilight, each hue a reflection of ancient stories and endless horizons.  

They have been worn as jewellery for centuries and have been featured in some of the world’s most iconic pieces of art. 

Agate: 

Agate is a variety of chalcedony, is found in some parts of the UK, including Scotland. It comes in various colours and patterns, often displaying distinctive bands or layers.

Agate hunting is a popular activity in certain areas of the UK, especially along the shores of rivers or beaches where these gemstones can be found.

Agate is used for decorative purposes and in jewellery.  Craftsmen and artisans appreciate the variety of colours and patterns, creating beautiful pieces of jewellery, ornaments, and artwork.

Jasper:

Nestled within the ancient rocks of the United Kingdom, jasper unveils its captivating hues.

Coastal regions and riverbeds of  Scotland, Wales, and parts of England have known deposits of jasper.

Jasper stones found in the UK are used by jewellers and artisans to create unique jewellery pieces, including necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.

Additionally, jasper is used in decorative items such as figurines, carvings, and ornamental objects. Each stone, a masterpiece crafted by time, tells a story of the land, leaving traces of its beauty for admirers and collectors alike.

Amber:

Amber, though not a gemstone in the traditional sense, is a fossilised tree resin. It can be found washed up on beaches, particularly on the east coast of England.

Amber ranges in colour from pale yellow to deep orange and is often used in jewellery. Amber has been used as a healing agent since mediaeval times.

Garnets:

Garnets can be found in some metamorphic rocks in the Scottish Highlands. They are typically deep red in colour, although garnets come in various hues. Garnets have been used in jewellery for centuries and are valued for their rich colour.

Quartz crystals:

It is possible to find crystals in rivers and other natural formations in the United Kingdom.

Crystals, including quartz crystals,  can be discovered in the rivers flowing in the heart of the United Kingdom.

These crystals, with their clear transparency and vibrant energy, reveal themselves to those who explore the country's rocky terrain.

Quartz crystals in the UK serve diverse purposes, adorning jewellery, enhancing spiritual practices, and fueling technology. 

Apart from the common gemstones and crystals the rich soil of the UK also has a few rare exquisite beauties. These rare gemstones not only showcase the geological diversity of the UK but also hold historical and cultural significance. 

Blue John:

Blue John is a breathtaking natural wonder only found in a handful of caverns near the village of Castleton in Derbyshire. It is the most common gemstone found in the United Kingdom.

The name aptly describes the colours of the banding within the gem. Its vibrant blue, purple, yellow, and white bands make it highly prized in jewellery and ornamental crafts.

This rare and highly treasured gemstone makes for the most valuable procession for anyone who loves fine jewellery

Whitby Jet:

Whitby jet is a fascinating and unique gemstone that is found along the rugged coastline of Whitby in Yorkshire, United Kingdom.

This deep black gem is actually fossilised wood. Renowned for its lightweight nature, smooth texture, and striking colour, Whitby Jet was popular during the Victorian era as mourning jewellery due to its deep black hue.

Today, artisans and jewellery enthusiasts continue to treasure Whitby Jet, incorporating it into elegant designs. 

Scottish Cairngorm Quartz:

Scottish Cairngorm quartz is a distinctive smoky brown variety of quartz, is found in the Cairngorm Mountains of Scotland, United Kingdom.

Traditionally used in Scottish jewellery and ornaments, Cairngorm Quartz is treasured for its natural beauty and has been a part of Scottish heritage for generations.

Cairngorm Quartz is primarily used in traditional Scottish jewellery and in contemporary jewellery, decorative arts, and lapidary crafts.

Conclusion:

So, there you have it - some of the gemstones you can find in the UK. Who knew?

While they may not be as well-known as diamonds or emeralds, these British gems are still beautiful and unique in their own way. Who knows, maybe you'll find one while walking in the countryside! 

Along with going on crystal hunting, take a look into our stunning gemstone jewellery range from gemstone rings and bracelets to gemstone necklaces to present that perfect gift, a special keepsake or to simply add to your existing collection.