What is Ametrine

Ametrine is a gemstone containing both amethyst and citrine, showcasing purple and golden colors in a single magnificent bi-colored quartz crystal. The gem derives its name from purple amethyst (ame-) and golden citrine (-trine), the two gemstones it contains. At different times and in different parts of the world, it has also been called, “bolivianite,” “trystine,” “bicolor amethyst,” “amethyst-citrine,” or more broadly, “bi-color quartz”. Originating from only one source in the world, gem quality ametrine is rare and in limited supply.

Origin and History

Legend tells that the Ayoreo, a tribe native to eastern Bolivia, discovered ametrine more than 500 years ago. The site of their discovery, located in southeastern Bolivia, was later named for a native Bolivian princess who became the wife of an early Spanish conquistador. The mine was offered by her people as a wedding gift upon their marriage. Proud to show this stunning gem to his queen in Spain, the conquistador brought specimens of ametrine back to Europe as early as the 1600s. Mysteriously, the mine and its treasures were subsequently lost and nearly forgotten.

After more than 300 years of obscurity, the Aniha Mine was rediscovered in the 1960s and ametrine made its modern debut in the gemstone market in the 70s. Today Aniha Mine is the only place in the world producing gemstone quality ametrine. Bolivians proudly call ametrine their national gemstone, which also goes by the moniker “bolivianite”.

How is Ametrine Formed?

The formation of ametrine owes to the unique location of Aniha Mine above a zone of hydrothermal activity. Where jets of superheated, mineral-bearing water strike the mine’s dolomitic limestone, quartz deposits containing amethyst, citrine, ametrine, and other quartz specimens have formed.

Ametrine derives its color from iron content, which depending on its state of oxidation at the time of the crystal’s formation, results in either a purple or golden color. Deposits often form with parallel bands of purple and golden quartz, sometimes with a band of clear quartz in-between. An ideal example of ametrine flaunts purple and gold prominently with a cut perpendicular to the c-axis, the point from which the two color zones radiate out.

Ametrine’s Meaning

Crystal lore holds that ametrine offers its wearer powerful benefits. Since amethyst is associated with feminine energy and citrine is thought to crystallize masculinity, the combination of the two represents a balance of yin and yang, which some believe can be a balm to relationships. The stone’s duality is also said to promote harmony internally and externally, from integrated left- and right-brain thinking, to stimulating cooperation.

Designing Ametrine Jewelry

For Adam, ametrine’s lush hues present an exciting color palette from which to take inspiration. Ametrine pairs beautifully with rose gold, AlbaGold™, white gold, or multi-tone settings, as well as a variety of pastel colored gems and pearls. Ombré, or color gradients, feature prominently in Adam’s body of work, making this naturally gradient gemstone a perfect fit.