Crystals have long been cherished for their beauty and healing properties, and many people seek them out for both personal and decorative purposes. If you're in the UK and interested in discovering natural crystals, you'll be pleased to know that the country is rich in natural crystal formations and there are a variety of locations where you can find them. In this blog, we'll look at some of the top spots to find natural crystals in the UK and what to keep an eye out for.
The Lake District.
The Lake District in Cumbria is home to a range of natural crystals, including fluorite, quartz, and calcite. The area around Coniston Water is particularly rich in mineral deposits, and you may also have luck around Ullswater, Honister Slate Mine, Tilberthwaite Quarry and the Langdale Pikes. Look for rocks that have distinct veins or fissures, which can indicate the presence of crystals.
Cornwall.
Cornwall has long been known for its mining heritage, and it also has a rugged coastline making it a great place to find natural crystals. The county is particularly rich in tin and copper, which can be found in combination with minerals like tourmaline, calcite, feldspar, and quartz, tourmaline, and topaz. The area around St. Austell is particularly rich in crystals, with numerous mines and quarries to explore. Other areas to explore are Wheal Coates Mine, Porthmellin Headland and the beach at Portleven, which is a great spot to find amethyst, quartz, and even the occasional diamond. Look for stones that have a distinctive colour or texture, as these are often indicators of the presence of crystals.
The Scottish Highlands.
The Scottish Highlands are another prime location for crystal hunting, with deposits of agate, amethyst, and calcite to be found. One of the best spots is the Isle of Mull, where you can find stunning amethyst geodes in a range of sizes. The Isle of Mull is a remote and stunningly beautiful island off the west coast of Scotland. The beaches here are known for their unique geology, with many different types of rock formations to explore. Look for stones that have a crystalline structure or a glossy reflective surface, as these can be indicators of the presence of crystals. You'll need to do some hiking to get to the best spots, so make sure you're prepared for the terrain. Scotland is home to some of the UK's most impressive geological formations, including the famous Fingal's Cave on the Isle of Staffa. Here you can find basalt columns lined with hexagonal pillars of black quartz. Another area to look for crystals in Scotland is the Cairngorm Mountains, which are known for their smoky quartz and amethyst.
Northumberland.
Northumberland is another great place to find crystals, especially along the coast near Alnwick and Boulmer. The area is known for its geodes, which can contain amethyst, calcite, and other minerals. You can also find fluorite and other minerals in the area's old lead mines.
Seaham Beach, County Durham.
Seaham Beach is a great spot for finding sea glass, but it's also home to some beautiful natural crystals. Look for stones with a distinctive colour, such as purple, green, or blue, as these can be indicators of the presence of amethyst, malachite, or chrysocolla.
Charmouth Beach, Dorset.
Located on the Jurassic Coast in southern England, Charmouth Beach is a popular spot for fossil hunting. However, it's also a great place to find natural crystals. Look for stones with a distinct pattern or texture, as these can be indicators of the presence of crystals like quartz or amethyst.
Wales.
Wales is a beautiful country with stunning natural scenery and a rich geological history. The country is also home to many places where you can find natural crystals. Below are some of the best places to look for natural crystals in Wales and what to look for when searching.
Snowdonia National Park.
Located in the northwest of Wales, Snowdonia National Park is a stunning mountainous region with a diverse geology. The area is known for its deposits of quartz, feldspar, and other minerals, which can often be found in rock formations or as loose crystals. Look for stones with a distinct texture or colour, as these can be indicators of the presence of crystals.
Aberystwyth Beach.
Located on the west coast of Wales, Aberystwyth Beach is a popular spot for beachcombing and rock pooling. The beach is known for its deposits of agate and other types of quartz, which can be found in the pebbles and rocks that line the shore. Look for stones with a distinctive pattern or colour, which can indicate the presence of crystals.
Cwmystwyth Mines.
Located in the heart of Wales, the Cwmystwyth Mines are a historic site where lead, zinc, and other minerals were once extracted. Today, the mines are a popular spot for rockhounding and crystal collecting with many different types of minerals and crystals to be found. Look for stones with a metallic sheen or a distinct colour, as this may suggest a presence of minerals like pyrite or chalcopyrite.
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.
Located in the southwest of Wales, the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is a stunning coastal region with a diverse geology. The area is known for its deposits of agate, jasper, and other types of quartz, which can often be found in rock formations or as loose crystals. Look for stones with a distinctive pattern or colour.
Can I keep and collect the crystals that I find?
In practice, common fossils and small geological specimens have traditionally been collected without permission and usually without hindrance. However, from a legal perspective it is against the law to remove fossils without permission, and technically this includes loose material from beaches and in whatever other setting fossils may be found, even if they appear abandoned.
It is up to the individual to collect responsibility in practice alongside the law. The below links provide further information on responsible collecting. If in doubt, contacting a local geological or fossil collecting club or society may be able to offer advice on local practices and permissions.
Managing Geological Specimen Collecting: Guidance
When searching for natural crystals, It's important to be respectful of the natural environment and any protected areas, being sure not to disturb any wildlife. Always wear appropriate clothing and footwear and be prepared for the weather. Bring along some basic tools like a crystal guidebook, magnifying glass, small rock hammer, sturdy gloves and safety glasses to help you extract small crystals easily, safely and responsibly, if you have permission. Also, be mindful of your impact on the environment when searching for natural crystals.
With some persistence and a keen eye, you can uncover some truly beautiful specimens from the British landscape. Keep an eye out for signs of crystal formations, such as a distinct colour or texture. When searching for crystals, look for areas where the rock has been exposed or broken, as this is where crystals are most likely to be found. Look for small cracks or fissures in the rock, as crystals often grow in these areas. Some crystals, like quartz, can be easily identified by their hexagonal shape and glassy appearance, while others may require closer examination or even chemical testing to identify. Most importantly, try to be patient - finding natural crystals can take time and effort, but the rewards are well worth it.