What is this stone?
Ametrine (in the literature it is also called two-color amethyst, bolivianite or amethyst-citrine) is a semi-precious stone that is one of the varieties of quartz classified by color.
The color of ametrine crystals is very rare and extremely beautiful: alternating areas of citrine and amethyst colors are distributed either unevenly or zonally. The greatest rarity are large and transparent crystals with zonal coloring.
Being a rock of volcanic origin, ametrines are formed under conditions of enormous pressure and high temperatures, with the obligatory presence of iron and magnesium.
Gems are found in rock cracks: in places where magma once bubbled under high pressure.
Place of Birth
It's amazing how nature combines different components. Bolivianite is one of the clear proofs of the limitless possibilities of the mineral world. Ametrine, from which valuable jewelry and amulets are made, is mined in Anajai, a Bolivian mine that has gained worldwide fame. The legend of two-color quartz is dedicated to this mine.
Ametrine mined in Bolivia
Outcrops of a less beautiful, but similar breed in Russia (Siberia) and Brazil were found.
The value of specimens found outside Anahai is low.
Origin story
An unusually romantic legend is associated with the origin of the stone. According to him, one of the Spanish conquistadors who took part in the colonization of Bolivia (his name was Felipe de Urriola y Goitia), married young Anahi, the daughter of the leader of one of the local Indian tribes, against the wishes of all her relatives.
In order to be with his beloved, Felipe invited her to run away with him to Spain, but the girl refused. Shortly before the ship sailed, angry tribesmen, who considered marriage to the invader an unheard-of insult, mortally wounded Anahi.
Dying, she gave her husband a stone of unprecedented beauty: it was a two-color ametrine, symbolizing her heart, divided in half by love for her husband and for her people (according to legend, the donated stone was found in a deposit that belonged to the Anahi family).
Having buried Anahi, Felipe returned to his homeland and presented the priceless gem as a gift to the King of Spain.
A little later, thanks to the Spanish queen, there was a great demand for jewelry with ametrine among the European nobility.
Meaning
- The value of ametrines, which lend themselves well to cutting and faceting, lies solely in their use in jewelry. All types of jewelry are made from them.
- In jewelry offered for sale in Russian online stores, all ametrine inserts are made of stones of synthetic origin (in the description they are designated as glass-ceramics).
- Natural ametrines are a valuable collection material.
Physico-chemical characteristics
Formula of the mineral Si O2 .
Breed qualities:
- translucency;
- hardness 7 units;
- density 3 units;
- conchoidity of fracture;
- glass shine;
- refractive index 1.55 units.
The crystals are painted in shades of lilac, violet, and peach.
Ametrine is a valuable type of quartz
Physical properties
The main physical properties of ametrine, which is a transparent polychrome variety of quartz, are as follows:
- The chemical formula of the mineral, which is silicon oxide, is SiO2.
- The hardness of ametrine on the Mohs scale is 7 points.
- The two-color color of transparent crystals with a glassy luster involves a combination of yellow and violet tones of varying degrees of saturation.
- The mineral is characterized by a moderate density of 2.6 g/cm3, thanks to which it can easily withstand cutting and faceting and is suitable for making figurines and all kinds of jewelry: earrings, beads, pendants and rings.
- Ametrine crystals are fragile, their surface at the fracture is conchoidal. They are characterized by a complete absence of cleavage.
- Ametrine must be protected from direct sunlight, as this can lead to complete discoloration of the crystals.
Applications of ametrine
Natural ametrine is truly beautiful, and it is also easy to cut, which is why jewelers love this stone very much. The stores offer jewelry with ametrine in silver and gold: rings, pendants, bracelets, etc. However, due to the dissimilarity of one natural sample to another, you rarely see earrings with this mineral, because it is a paired piece of jewelry.
The stone looks good in different cuts and is combined with many minerals and any color of gold as a setting. Particularly interesting are jewelry that combines all three varieties of quartz: citrine, amethyst and ametrine. The photo shows how ametrine exhibits one of its properties - glass luster.
Varieties, colors
The color varieties of ametrine are created by different combinations of yellow and purple.
Depending on how the areas of amethyst and citrine tones are distributed in the crystals, ametrine crystals can be:
- Purple-golden. Stones with a predominance of purple tones, actively used by magicians, church ministers and representatives of the highest nobility, unite two worlds: the otherworldly and the ordinary. They are absolutely not suitable for people with vulnerable psyches.
- Golden peach. With the help of such crystals, their owner can easily get rich, overcome the insidious plans of ill-wishers, and also restore his strength after a serious illness.
- Honey and purple-lilac. The lilac color, associated with the ancient muses led by Apollo, makes this variety of ametrine a real talisman for scientists and people of creative professions, capable of becoming a source of inspiration.
- Peach and violet-lilac. A gem in which the lilac hue predominates helps its owner not only find, but also keep love. It is recommended to be worn by young girls or artistic middle-aged people.
Color spectrum
Polychrome crystals are characterized by their original color. The main shade is purple, additional shades are golden, peach, honey, lilac, wine yellow, lilac. All names of boliviant speak of its duality. The color depends on where the mineral was mined.
Bolivian ametrine lacks a perfectly even border between color segments, is excessively dark and loud. The edges of the stones are purple-violet and yellow-orange. There are no blue or green impurities. Brazilian gems are of lower quality. To achieve brightness, they must be refined.
Ametrines of synthetic origin have clearly demarcated, ordered edges and rich color. Heated quartz, treated with a special paste, is also divided into segments of different colors. Natural gems, unlike artificial ones, can be damaged by sharp objects.
Magic properties
The magical properties of ametrine are truly unique and unlike the similar qualities of other gems used as talismans:
- Ametrine is a stone of world balance. According to ancient legends, with his help many years of hostility between Indian clans and fratricidal wars were stopped more than once. In ancient times, amulets with Bolivianite helped people not only avoid the wrath of the gods, but also earn the favor of the supreme rulers.
- Nowadays, the gem is mostly used to establish contacts with others, prevent violence, conflicts and quarrels. This is precisely its main purpose.
- Amethyst-citrine , which enhances magical abilities and helps reveal the secrets of the universe, is used with great success by sorcerers, magicians and shamans. It greatly simplifies the ritual of communicating with spirits.
- In order to reveal the gift of clairvoyance with the help of Bolivianite, a special ritual must be performed on the night of the full moon. Taking a piece of purple natural silk, you need to wrap the gem in it and place it so that the moonlight falls on the package. One burning candle should be placed on both sides of it. A person who performs this ritual will gain the ability to predict the future.
- With the help of ametrine placed under the pillow, you can see a prophetic dream.
- In addition to all of the above , the gem helps improve memory, vision and hearing.
- After acquiring the stone, its owner, having gotten rid of excessive aggressiveness and cruelty, can become more responsive, tolerant and compassionate towards other people.
Medicinal properties
Ametrine also has a whole range of medicinal properties.
It can be used to improve:
- State of the nervous system. The owner of the stone, succumbing to its calming effects, can forget about insomnia, depression and feelings of causeless anxiety.
- Functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. To do this, you must constantly wear a pendant with natural bolivianite.
- The composition of the blood , cleansing it of harmful substances: you just need to constantly wear beads, a ring or earrings with natural stone inserts.
- Condition of the genitourinary apparatus. The healing effects of the gem can stop the development of inflammatory processes in the kidneys and bladder.
- The functioning of the immune system.
- Functioning of reproductive organs. Wearing a ring with ametrine will speed up pregnancy in women and improve potency in men.
- Vision and get rid of headaches: for this you need earrings with ametrine.
- Condition of the skin and cope with many skin diseases: in this case, it is recommended to wear a bracelet made of natural stone.
Ametrine can enhance the effect of any medication, so wearing it during drug therapy is especially welcome.
Healing
First of all, the stone affects the human nervous system. It heals all emotional wounds and sets the scene. The mineral helps get rid of depression and alleviate mental suffering and torment.
If a person is left with a feeling of anxiety or simply “the soul is not in the right place,” then ametrine will be the best helper. It also helps with insomnia.
They say that it is better to wear the mineral in the form of a ring or earrings, then it will also affect the circulatory system. Ametrine will help cleanse the blood. It also affects the human genitourinary system. The mineral stops all inflammatory processes and cleanses the channels.
In addition to all of the above, ametrine affects:
- Heart;
- Gastrointestinal tract;
- The work of the brain.
Many believe that it affects the functioning of the body as a whole, and also protects against diseases and illnesses.
Who is suitable according to their zodiac sign?
Not every zodiac sign can bear the powerful energy of ametrine, so the following can become owners of the stone:
- Aries , whose vital energy is compatible with the energy of this gem, which gives them peace of mind and relieves them of aggressiveness and irritability.
- Lions. Bolivianite's help will help them be at peace with themselves and harmonize their relationships with the outside world. In addition, the stone will help Leos get rid of negative character traits, enhancing only their most positive traits.
- Sagittarius. A talisman with ametrine will help them say goodbye to excessive aggressiveness and outbursts of anger, and will also teach them to get along with others.
Talismans with ametrine are absolutely not suitable for Virgos , since the influence of this stone can develop cowardice and indifference to everything in them.
The negative impact of the gem is fraught with the fact that, having fallen under the influence of others, Virgos can completely lose their own opinion about anything.
All other zodiac signs may not feel much of the impact of Bolivianite, but thanks to it they will be able to avoid conflicts and have the opportunity to establish contacts even with obvious ill-wishers.
Who is the name suitable for?
An amulet with ametrine is ideal for owners of the names:
- Marina. With his help, believing in a miracle, she will receive hope for the realization of her old dream.
- Elena. Having gained self-confidence and taken a well-paid position, she will get rid of financial problems forever.
- Natalia. Thanks to the support of the amulet, she will say goodbye to loneliness by meeting a worthy life partner.
- Paul. Having received the amulet as a gift, he will receive a powerful energy impulse, giving him a chance to unleash his rich creative potential.
- Victor. The help of natural stone will give him the peace of mind necessary for a balanced solution to pressing problems.
What names is it suitable for?
There are several names that he favors even more than others:
- Marina will fulfill that dream that previously seemed unattainable;
- Elena will receive a promotion at work or a position with a high salary;
- Natalya will definitely meet her love and will never be lonely again;
- Pavel will reveal his potential in science or creativity;
- Victor will become calmer and more balanced and will learn to solve complex problems on his own.
Talismans and amulets
The talisman with ametrine has powerful energy, thanks to which its owner can:
- learn to avoid conflict situations or easily resolve them;
- gain wisdom and patience;
- discover your ability to think outside the box;
- learn to rationally assess what is happening;
- perceive the maximum amount of information.
Its owners can be businessmen, schoolchildren and students, media workers, as well as those who dream of developing psychic abilities.
At the same time, you should know that ametrine as a talisman can help in the implementation of exceptionally good deeds and intentions.
Ametrine amulets are recommended to be worn by extraordinary individuals and people seeking peace of mind: they not only strengthen the aura, but also contribute to the physical, psychological and moral development of their owner.
In order for ametrine to acquire the qualities of a reliable amulet, jewelry with it should be worn regularly, but not around the clock. It is recommended to wear them during periods of severe illness or during healing sessions, after which it is necessary to send the stone to rest.
To do this, just put it on a small hill of table salt and keep it there for the whole night. Freed from negative energy, ametrine will fully restore its magical and healing properties.
Magic and astrology
Contrasting colors are responsible for activating energy centers. Once the balance is stabilized, a person’s life will become much easier. He begins to value time, reconsiders his values, and gets rid of bad habits. Bad emotions are transformed into positive ones.
When using a gem as a magical artifact, the owner expands his capabilities. The realization of abilities that were previously hidden comes to the fore. Another manifestation of ametrine is loyalty and tolerance towards others.
Decoration will have a positive effect on relationships between household members. The risk of financial problems and minor troubles is significantly reduced. Spouses stop being jealous and begin to trust each other. The meaning of the ametrine stone is peace, harmony, tranquility and spirituality. Figurines and other decorative elements made from two-color minerals will be a wonderful home decoration.
Magicians use the stone to open and expand the gift.
Thanks to this gem, empaths begin to understand other people better, and soothsayers see the future more clearly. Ametrine stone is universal and suitable for representatives of all zodiac signs.
Ametrine can become more tolerant and wiser, and promotes the development of non-standard thinking.
Decorations
Ametrine, which lends itself well to cutting, is used to make magnificent beads, inserts for rings, pendants and earrings.
Before cutting, ametrines are subjected to special processing. First, they are immersed in boiling water and wait until cracks appear on the surface of the gems, along which the mineral is disassembled into separate fragments: further work is done with them.
The correct cut of bolivianite should highlight its unique color. Most often, it is given a rectangular shape, subjected to a step cut called “baguette”.
With this type of cut, the color zones of the gem are located at right angles to its site. As a result, two natural shades of ametrine mix, giving rise to an indescribable play of colors.
The most magnificent and expensive jewelry is made from Bolivian ametrines, which have a brilliant shine and are painted in the most saturated colors. Gems are set in gold and silver, complemented with cubic zirconia and precious stones.
Gem mining
The second name for ametrine is bolivianite.
The main deposit is located in Bolivia (Central America). This country is the main producer of gems (about 90%). Minerals can also be obtained from mining in Siberia and Brazil (10%). The former are not as brightly colored as boliviant, the latter have a golden-smoky hue.
Care
Ametrine belongs to the category of sensitive stones, which, if handled carelessly, can lose not only their beauty, but also most of their magical power:
- The effects of cosmetics and concentrated detergents are detrimental to it, so before taking a bath or applying makeup, you must remove jewelry with this gem.
- From time to time it is necessary to clean ametrine with a soft brush without using any detergents (except for baby soap), placing it under a stream of lukewarm running water.
- A product with ametrine should not be exposed to direct sunlight, as this will lead to complete fading of the stone.
- Given the high sensitivity of ametrine to bright light, jewelry with it should be stored in a light-proof box.
How to care for a product with ametrine
Ametrine, like amethyst and citrine, does not really like sunlight - over time it fades in direct rays. Accordingly, jewelry with ametrine should be protected from the sun.
Although the stone is not fragile, it is better to store products with it in a separate case or in a designated place in the box. Bolivianite rings should be removed when washing hands with soap, because representatives of the quartz group are not resistant to alkalis, as well as before taking a bath or visiting a pool or sauna.
To care for amethyst-citrine jewelry, use specially designed products. Abrasive components are not suitable for cleaning.
Price
Formally classified as a semi-precious mineral, ametrine is quite expensive.
In Bolivia, which is the main supplier of the rare mineral, the average cost of ametrine is at least $70 per carat. In Europe it does not exceed $30. The cost of the highest quality stones is over $100 per carat.
The final price of jewelry with Bolivianite depends on several factors: its weight, the metal of the frame and the presence of additional stones (for example, garnets, pearls, cubic zirconia).
Their cost in Russian online stores is as follows:
- Tumbling (polished small pebbles ranging in size from 1.5 to 2.5 cm) can be bought for 530-590 rubles. a piece.
- A cut gem weighing 10.5 carats costs 27,000 rubles.
- A bracelet or beads made of bolivianite can be purchased for 1,500-2,500 rubles.
- The cost of a rose gold ring is from 11 to 22 thousand rubles.
- Gold earrings with cubic zirconia cost from 14 to 35 thousand rubles.
Since almost all inserts in products distributed via the Internet are made of artificial stones, their final cost mainly depends on the material of the frame.
On the world market, the price of products with natural ametrine is much higher:
- The pendant with a natural inlay set in gold costs at least $600.
- The cost of silver earrings is $250.
- A string of beads will cost the buyer $300.
Scientists have calculated that the reserves of ametrine in explored deposits may run out within a couple of decades, so its value will only increase every year.
It is possible that over time it may become equal to the cost of precious stones. Thus, purchasing natural Bolivian ametrines is an excellent investment.
Scope and scope
Zodiac sign
Ametrine is the zodiac stone for Libra. It influences the needs and desires of people, helps resolve internal contradictions. Libra is the only sign in the zodiac horoscope that is not represented by a living creature. Its function was to “balance” Virgo and Scorpio.
Gem lovers born in February and December may consider ametrine to be the jewel that brings them good luck, as it is composed of amethyst and citrine. The jewel is a traditional gift for any 6th and 33rd (amethyst) and 13th (citrine) anniversaries.
Medicinal properties
Throughout history, humanity has used precious gems for healing and spiritual practices. The energy they transmit to their owners makes these stones especially valuable.
Today, science recognizes the need to use minerals in the production of watches, lasers and computers. However, more subtle influences that stimulate physical healing of the body or the ability to balance emotions remain outside the scope of modern science.
It is widely believed that ametrine promotes mental health and promotes recovery. The mineral stimulates brain activity and enhances the creative inclinations of its owner. In case of physical illness, the elixir of ametrine removes toxins and reduces weakness.
It is recommended to wear the stone near the neck or thyroid gland - this way it reduces redness of the skin. It is believed that ametrine helps people who have artificial implants or limbs to adapt faster.
During meditation, the gem helps to quickly achieve a calm state.
Ametrine is used to treat clinical depression, anxiety, stress and mental tension (causing headaches and migraines).
Magic properties
The dual nature of ametrine makes it a powerful companion for creativity and healing. Purple and yellow are on opposite sides of the color wheel, but are complementary to each other (the purple royal robe looks even more luxurious with gold trim).
When traveling, the mineral protects against physical harm. He has a receptive energy. It obeys the water element and is ruled by Mercury.
Ametrine is believed to have metaphysical properties and the unique properties of amethyst and citrine at the same time. The energy of the gem stimulates the intellect and rids the aura of negative energy, dispersing it and filling it with pure light.
Ametrine should be used with caution during meditation as it greatly enhances concentration and intuition. Long-term use of Bolivianite can lead to internal imbalance.
The mineral helps a person to realize the existence of higher powers and thereby eliminate prejudices. This process helps to leave old attitudes behind and reach a higher state in meditation.
Ametrine teaches those involved in secular activities to balance physical and spiritual activities. Workaholics learn to take breaks and enjoy the fruits of their labor. Procrastinators find pleasure in completing tasks and the rewards that come with achieving goals.
The mineral also helps fight anxiety and fears, opening up the body’s internal reserves.
Ametrine changes the personality of the person who wears jewelry with this stone.
The following people benefit most from the precious gem:
- aspiring artists and performers;
- students;
- athletes;
- politicians;
- philosophers;
- people awaiting surgery;
- people suffering from diabetes and heart disease.
One way to use stone is to use it for communication. So, you should find a small thing that belongs to a person, or a photograph of a person with whom you want to discuss something. If this is not possible, write the person's name on a piece of paper. Wrap the ametrine in this thing/photo or piece of paper and take it in both hands. Focus on this person. Soon you will feel a message from this person. This technique also works with animals, spirit guides, and other types of living beings.
Decorations
Like most precious minerals of quartz origin, the mineral occurs in fairly large, pure nuggets. Thus, the price per carat hardly increases as the size of the gem increases. The cost of ametrine is relatively low; every connoisseur of precious gems can afford to buy it.
Preference is given to faceted gems due to their transparency and size. When quartz came to market, jewelers shaped the nuggets into emeralds with an almost equal distribution of colors in the crystal.
It is believed that the ratio of amethyst and citrine in ametrine 1 to 1 is ideal.
There are also specimens on sale with a “random” shape - chaotic spots of purple and yellow colors. The stones are given a cut, thanks to which light, penetrating through all layers of the crystal, passes through the zones of violet and yellow colors simultaneously. This creates stones with red colors - peach, purple or even orange.
The price of a precious mineral is determined according to the following criteria:
- color – the color of high-quality ametrines is contrasting;
- purity - the cut gem should not have visible foreign elements;
- cut - unusual cuts create a dramatic effect on two-tone gemstones;
- weight - large nuggets are more popular in jewelry.
It is curious that no two ametrines are exactly alike; in some way, each of them is individual.
The Portuguese cut and the emerald cut are becoming the most popular, as thanks to this type of processing, ametrine allows light to pass through and sparkles.
How to distinguish from a fake?
Very often, unscrupulous traders sell synthetic minerals under the guise of natural gemstones. Most often, crystals of an artificially grown stone - sital, which looks very similar to topaz, are passed off as natural ametrine.
In order to avoid purchasing a fake instead of natural ametrine, you need to know the following:
- In natural crystals, the transition from one tone to another has no clear boundaries: they flow into each other very smoothly. The coloring of artificial ametrines is characterized by a clear separation of colors. This is precisely the main difference between natural stones and their artificial counterparts.
- All synthetic ametrines are crystal clear and, compared to natural gems, look almost flawless. Even the largest artificial crystals do not contain any inclusions, which cannot be said about natural stones, which always have an irregular shape, small inclusions and irregularities.
- Natural ametrines are painted in discreet tones. An overly bright color of the crystals is a clear sign of a fake.
- Natural bolivianites, despite their hardness, are easy to scratch. Unfortunately, you can test the strength of a purchased gem only after purchasing it.
- An indicator that a gem is synthetic can also be its low cost.
Description
From the point of view of chemical composition, ametrine is ordinary quartz with a microcrystalline structure. However, gemologists decided to place it separately from other minerals due to its unusual coloring.
The border between purple and yellow tones is sharply expressed. It is accompanied by a bright natural shine, so each sample looks attractive and unusual. Even if a person was indifferent to jewelry, he probably couldn’t pass by this mineral.
One of the main features of a pebble that should always be taken into account is its sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation. If left in the sun for a long time, it may fade and become just golden yellow.
What stones does it go with?
- The compatibility of amethyst-citrine with other gems is average. This stone goes well with pearls, agates, garnets and all types of quartz.
- Despite its apparent compatibility with citrines and amethysts, bolivianite – given its magical properties – is best not worn with these stones. Being a fairly striking mineral, ametrine looks best either alone or in combination with other ametrines.
- The combination of ametrine with black onyx and green garnet is quite bold.
Fake diamond
Sitall stones
Since ametrine is one of the very rare minerals, the demand for it is quite high.
To meet consumer demand, employees of the Russian Institute of Experimental Mineralogy produce a synthetic analogue of this gem - a nanosynthetic glass ceramic stone.
The resulting product is nothing more than glass, welded in a special way, with the addition of small metal particles. This synthetic stone is distinguished by its extraordinary transparency and highest strength. The cost of sital is at least 5 dollars per carat.
There is another technology that makes it possible to obtain artificial ametrines by irradiating and heating amethysts.
Buyers of artificial stones should remember that only natural gems have magical and healing properties.
Interesting Facts
- Ametrine is a symbol of balance and peace. According to legend, in ancient times, Indian priests used gems exclusively of purple shades to stop or prevent armed strife between different tribes.
- The world community learned about the existence of ametrines only in 1980. Many to this day have not heard of the mesmerizing two-color stone.
- The largest cut ametrine in the world (it weighs 109 carats) is on display at the Los Angeles Museum of Natural History.