Four Peaks Mining Co. Store

The Four Peaks Mine has been producing Amethyst for centuries and those rich purple gemstones can be found scattered throughout history. The deposit was first discovered by the Native Americans and was used to make beautiful and sharp arrowheads. The Spaniards are believed to have visited the area during their exploration of the Southwest and three Amethysts in the Spanish Crown are purportedly from the mine. In more recent history, the mine was ‘discovered’ at the turn of the century by two brothers prospecting for gold. 

 

The mine was patented in the 1920’s and operated sporadically for the next 80 years. Most recently, the mine, situated between the third and fourth peaks of the Mazatzal Mountains outside of Phoenix, Arizona, was purchased by Kurt Cavano in 1998 who has operated it since then. 

 

Located on privately owned land in the Four Peaks Wilderness section of the Tonto National Forest, the mine is only accessible by helicopter as there are no roads. Given the wilderness location, the mine is operated with particular attention to the environment. Mining is done by hand and the mine lighting and ventilation is powered using solar panels. Rainwater is captured and purified for drinking.

 

The rough Amethyst is taken by helicopter to Scottsdale, where it is cleaned and sorted. The cleaned amethyst is sent overseas, where it is cut into finished gemstones. Out of 1000 pounds of amethyst rough produced every six months, less than 50 pounds is gem quality and is shipped for cutting. From that 50 pounds less than 1,000 carats of cut gemstones are returned.

 

The unique color and the difficulty of mining make Four Peaks Amethyst a very rare gemstone indeed.

 

​Helicopter tours to the mine are offered several times per year through our store. Visit our Mine Tours page for more details.