History & Introduction

Ametrine gemstone is hardly present on the earth’s crust and it is present in the combination of two stones citrine and amethyst. Thus it has the special quality of healing of both the stones. This stone works more on emotional as well as mental well-being. Ametrine stone prevents the negative energies from the body and thus leading to the balance of emotional and spiritual being. It is favorable for the people who take birth under zodiac signs like Libra and Pisces.

According to a legend ametrine first came to Europe by a conquistador's gifts to the Queen of Spain, after he got a mine in Bolivia as a dowry when he married the princess from the native Ayoreo tribe. Mainly the ametrine is available in the category of low price, which is assumed to stem from synthetic material. A Russian laboratory since 1994 onwards has perfected the industrial production of these bi colored quartz crystals.

The unique variance of color variation found in Ametrine is due to the presence of iron in different oxidation states within the crystalline structure and how it appears is not clear yet. Differences in the treatment of heat of amethyst it produces artificial ametrine.

Recognize - Ametrine gemstone is found in strips of purple with yellow. It is recognized with its unique bicoloring feature. As the color range is limited so the stone is distinguished from other bi colored stones. Ametrine comes from the quartz group, so it easily get scratched with harder materials such as sapphire and spinel. Naturally the color of ametrine stone reach at a medium level of saturation depicting ametrine specimens mostly not very rich or strong. There are synthetic or lab-grown ametrine too that are exceptionally bright, vivid and strong colors and as it is not normal for ametrine, the authenticity of these stones are tend to be questioned. Ametrine typically presents an abrupt color transition from purple to yellow, not to use any sort of smooth color strip transitions.

Availability - The major sources of ametrine stone is Bolivia. The true purple and yellow gemstone come from the Anahi' mine present in Bolivia. The Anahi Mine, from Bolivia is famous as the largest source of valuable ametrine in the world.

Usages - Mainly, ametrine gemstone is faceted in a rectangular cut for jewelry. It is even used in the ornate carvings like animal carvings.

Buying Guide

Color - Ametrine gemstone is available in strips of yellow and purple. Both colors naturally will come to a saturation level at an average therefore it is not usually very vivid or intense. However there are synthetic ametrine stones that seem too bright as well as intense. An abrupt transition of color of ametrine gemstone is depicted naturally from purple to yellow. The presence of two colors is due to the traces of iron inside the stone.

Clarity and Lustre - Ametrine stones, like other clear quartz varieties, are available in eye-clean and transparent form. When cut and polished, they present a vitreous luster. As the ametrine is usually found with good clarity, there are less chances in purchasing ametrine, which is not eye-clean.

Cut and Shape - In case of ametrine the cutting-style with good quality considered to be the most important factors. Ametrine gemstone is mainly faceted and cut into en cabochon. Typically, it comes in rectangular or octagonal or rectangular cut possessing colors partially of amethyst and citrine. Step-cut styles are very general, which adds to traditional oval and round-facet stones. Famous cut in ametrine stone are the portuguese cut and scissor cut and because of the modified cutting-styles increase light reflection and brilliance. Cutters with techniques may also cut ametrine in attempt to combine the colors that results in a mixture of yellow, purple, and peach tones to the stone. Ametrine is a well-known stone for 'artistic' gem cutters because it has the capability to play with the colors and make patterns using skilled techniques. Ametrine carvings have also became popular by taking carved gemstone in animals and other natural objects.

Treatment - Ametrine is not treated or enhanced naturally. To get artificial ametrine there are times when amethyst is heated or irradiated very little to give artificial ametrine, these type of however such enhancements are uncommon. Synthetic ametrine are hardly seen as they are highly in high demand. Though ametrine is a rare stone and is available in one region only, the cost of ametrine are very affordable.

Gemological Characteristics:

Chemical Formula	SiO2; Silicon dioxide
Crystal Structure	Trigonal, hexagonal prisms
Cleavage	None
Transparency	Transparent
Colour	Bicolor, violet-purple, yellow-brown (white color of streak)
Hardness	7
Refractive Index	1.54 - 1.553
Density	2.65
Double Refraction / Birefringence	0.009
Lustre	Vitreous
Fluorescence	None-Weak; bluish
Mineral Class	Quartz

Classification:

• Multicolored Ametrine