Natural ametrine stone attracts with its beautiful color transition from lavender to apricot. The translucent structure allows light to pass through and sparkles in the sun.
The transition between shades is smooth or in the form of sharply defined stripes. Large specimens of the mineral are valued by collectors as they combine up to 3 transitions from one color to another.
Romantic epic of stone
The history of the discovery of the stone dates back to the times of the Spanish Conquest on the American continent.
Don Felipe de Urriola y Goitia, who led a detachment of conquistadors, fell in love with the daughter of the leader of the Aureios tribe, the beauty Anahai. The love turned out to be mutual, and the dowry was a mine with gems.
The husband intended to take his wife to his homeland, but the natives decided to put an end to the invaders. Anakhai was also not spared for treason. She managed to warn her husband and present him with an unusual two-color stone. They were never destined to meet again.
Raw mineral Ametrine
The detachment left the New World, taking away a stone that became a symbol of opposing feelings: loyalty to the native tribe and the invader spouse. The conquistador presented it to the monarch. The Queen of Spain wore ametrine constantly.
The world presentation of the stone took place three hundred years later, in 1980.
History and origin
In Europe, people learned about this amazing two-color mineral in the 16th century. The Spanish queen was the first to have the good fortune to decorate herself with a wonderful stone. The “two-color amethyst” was presented to her as a gift from the conqueror of the New World, who served the Spanish Crown.
A conquistador who married a Bolivian woman was given the ametrine deposit as a dowry into the possession of the leader of an Indian tribe.
According to legend, the Indian princess was never able to sail to Spain with her husband, as she was killed by her own people, who rebelled against the yoke of the invaders. Already leaving this world, the Bolivian woman gave her husband a purple and golden stone. The gem became a symbol of her heart, which shared the love for the people and her chosen “foreigner”.
A polychrome mineral with characteristics of citrine and amethyst is extremely rare in nature. Finding a multizonal gem that includes two types of crystals is a great success for geologists.
True ametrine, reminiscent of citrine and amethyst, is mined only in the central part of South America. But there is a way to obtain a crystal using a synthetic method. Artificial analogues of stones are grown at the Institute of Experimental Mineralogy.
Physico-chemical characteristics
The composition of the mineral ametrine is silicon oxide, a transparent polychrome variety of quartz.
Other characteristics of the stone:
- chemical formula – SiO2;
- color – violet-purple, with lilac or yellowish tint;
- hardness on the Mohs scale – 7;
- density – 2.60 g/cm3;
- luster – glassy.
Other names of the stone that emphasize its origin are amethyst-citrine, bicolor amethyst, bolivianite.
Chemical formula | SiO2 |
Selection form | prismatic crystals, druzy |
Color | violet-lilac with yellow, lilac or yellowish-peach |
Transparency | translucent, transparent |
Hardness | 7 |
origin of name | from the names of the components: amethyst and citrine |
Zodiac sign | Leo Aries |
Mineral deposits | USA Russia (Irkutsk region) Brazil Bolivia |
In ametrine crystals, the color is distributed chaotically: it is zoning with alternating violet-lilac (amethyst) and yellow (citrine) segments or pyramidal with increasing edges.
The amount and ratio of impurities creates different colors of ametrine: thick violet, lilac, lilac in a duet with orange or yellow.
Description
Silicon dioxide is a prismatic crystal characterized by hardness. Due to its sufficient density, the mineral can be cut. Jewelers make various jewelry from two-color ametrine. The correct cut emphasizes the glass shine and the original combination of two contrasting shades. The main qualities of the gem are listed in the following table.
Ametrine deposits
The main source of high-quality raw materials is the Anahi mine (Bolivia, Central America). Local stones are beautiful and do not need processing. It is no coincidence that the second name of the mineral is bolivianite. It is the most expensive of the ametrines.
Ametrine mining
Deposits in Brazil and Siberia account for the remaining 10%, but the quality is worse. Ametrine from Brazil is not so bright, and Siberian samples are golden-smoky.
Amethysts and citrines are mined all over the world, however, ametrine has not been found anywhere else.
Not only in Bolivia
The bulk of ametrine (and the most valuable, pure crystals) is mined at the Anajai mine in Bolivia. The mine, by the way, is located on the territory where the Aureios tribe previously lived. This mine is of greatest importance in the extraction of jewelry ametrine.
There are small deposits of ametrine in Brazil, but the stones here are of poorer quality. Here in Siberia, among the minerals of the Ura pegmatite field, ametrine is found. Single finds; gems have little brightness and are often transitions from citrine (citrine quartz) to smoky quartz. The sunny color of citrine cannot be found here.
Where is the stone used?
The main area of application of the stone is jewelry. The average density, ease of cutting and cutting of ametrine give scope to the imagination of designers and carvers.
Ametrine figurine
The stone is used to create a range of jewelry from pendants to necklaces.
Inserts in products offered by Russian online stores are of artificial origin. They are designated in the description as glass-ceramic or synthetic.
Natural ametrine is a popular collection material.
Ennoblement or fake
Natural ametrines are not refined. This stone is too capricious. But synthetic ametrine is produced in Russia. Although it is not in great demand.
Tricky...made jewelry sellers may offer to buy "very rare ametrines" in yellow-blue or blue-green colors. So, put them to shame with your knowledge. Inform such sellers that natural ametrines only come in purple and yellow colors . There are no other ametrines produced by nature. We recommend: PERIDOT - evening emerald that brings abundance
How to care for stone
If you are lucky enough to buy jewelry with a natural stone, you need to remember the following properties of ametrine:
- under the sun's rays it loses its yellowishness, becoming a purple amethyst;
- scratches easily.
Products with ametrine are not worn on the beach or long summer walks. Store separately from other accessories.
Caring for stone products involves cleaning. Dirt is removed with soapy water, rinsed with water, and wiped thoroughly with a soft cloth.
Synthetic ametrines have more utilitarian properties, but you should not experiment with them.
Home care
Ametrine has a bright two-tone color. When choosing a place to store stone or jewelry made from it, we must not forget about the damage that can be caused by chemicals, direct sunlight and cosmetics. Cleaning should be done using running water and soapy water. Drying is carried out using a soft absorbent cloth.
In this case, the product should not be kept near the heating system. After the stone has completely dried, it must be placed in a box, the walls of which are lined with velvet. Each decoration should be in a separate section. Ametrine is not recommended to be worn when going for a walk in sunny weather.
Bolivianite is an amulet that can fill the owner’s reserves with energy. It has a positive effect on his character, gives him practicality and wisdom. The stone contributes to the fulfillment of all dreams and plans. Buying jewelry made from this gem will be a good investment.
Ametrine is a stone with unique properties. Experts say that ametrine deposits will be developed for another 30 years. Once the supply of natural gemstones runs out, jewelers and their clients will have to make do with artificial stones.
Cost of ametrine
Formally classified as a semi-precious stone, natural ametrine is expensive. A carat of high-quality Bolivian stones on the world market costs $100+.
Jewelry with ametrine (earrings and ring)
In the Russian Internet segment, prices for ametrine are as follows:
- tumbling 1.5-2.5 cm – 520–590 RUR/piece;
- cut stone 10.5 carats – 26.8 thousand rubles.
The cost of jewelry with stones, for example, in the Sunlight network, is measured in thousands of rubles. Since ametrine is almost always artificial, it is more influenced by the material of the frame.
Gold ring with Ametrine
The inserts are framed with 585° rose gold and complemented with cubic zirconia. Average price of the gold segment (thousand rubles):
- ring – 11–23;
- earrings – 14–34;
- pendant, pendant – 5–12.
Beads or bracelets made of ametrine cost 1.4-2.3 thousand rubles.
Beautiful cut Ametrine
Use in jewelry
Their cut bolivianite is used to make a variety of jewelry. Due to the physical characteristics of the mineral, products of original shapes can be cut from it. This, coupled with the unique colors, ensured high demand for ready-made jewelry. The industrial enterprise is located near the main deposit.
The cost of products made from this gem is quite high. This is due to the beauty and rarity of the mineral. Women can choose from a wide range. When making pendants, pendants, necklaces, earrings, beads and rings, ametrine is combined with gold and silver.
It should be noted that the price of synthetic ametrine is much lower than the cost of natural gems. Jewelers, carvers, and designers will be able to show their imagination when working with ametrine. Moreover, in addition to the above materials, cubic zirconia and rose gold are often used.
How to determine the nature of a stone
The market offers the following types of ametrine:
- Natural Bolivian ametrine. It is distinguished by a visible, but not perfectly even border between colors. The range of stones is yellow with orangishness, purple with violet. Without loudness and excessive darkness.
The range of natural ametrine is yellow-violet, without any admixture of green or blue.
- Ametrine from Brazil. A stone of lower quality is refined for brightness.
- Colored or heated quartz. Raw materials from amethyst dumps, processed with colored paste. Crystals with a clear boundary between colors.
- Synthetics. Color saturation, clear delineation, increased brightness, orderliness of segments.
You can distinguish natural ametrine from a fake by its bright color and clear differentiation of colors.
Natural ametrine, unlike laboratory samples, is easy to scratch with a needle.
In-depth gemological examination is possible only in large cities.
How to distinguish a fake?
The real stone is rare; the best quality specimens are found only in Central South America. Today, the production and production of synthetic stones has been established; jewelers quite often use artificially grown gems in their work.
Also read: Cerussite – a collector’s dream
To distinguish natural ametrine from a fake, an in-depth analysis of experts will be required. When choosing jewelry with a crystal, you should know that counterfeiters imitate the color of the mineral by irradiating and heating amethysts. The color of such stones is bright, rich, and only an experienced specialist will determine the catch.
Imitations of “rough, artisanal work” always have obvious flaws. This may be a clear boundary between shades, or a low cost for a huge stone will also raise doubts about the natural origin of the stone. When going shopping, it is better to take with you a specialist who knows a lot about jewelry.
The magical properties of ametrine
The magical properties of ametrine are due to the patronage of Mercury and Uranus. They take care of citrine and amethyst, respectively.
Flower carved from Ametrine
Ametrine, as a product of two minerals, acts as a guide and mentor:
- Shamans of Indian tribes used it to pacify enemies and appease the gods.
- Ametrine is necessary for everyone who is prone to outbursts of aggression and rage. Makes a person kinder, wiser towards himself and others.
- Sorcerers and psychics use ametrine to communicate with the other world. It can make a person a clairvoyant.
Ritual for “ordering” a prophetic dream. On a full moon, ametrine on a purple flap is exposed to the light of the moon. The charged stone is placed under the pillow or at the head of the bed.
Ametrine talisman
Ametrine is recognized as a powerful talisman that helps the owner:
- avoid or resolve conflicts;
- evaluate what is happening with understanding;
- become wiser, more tolerant;
- perceive more information (see, hear, smell);
- think outside the box.
Suitable for scientists, schoolchildren, students, researchers, media workers, businessmen. And also for those who want to develop extrasensory abilities.
Ametrine as a magical attribute works only for intentions and actions with a plus sign.
Carrying a stone with you is useful for people who need peace of mind.
Color magic
The combination of yellow and violet creates tint varieties of ametrine.
Each has its own purpose:
- Violet. An attribute of magicians, church and secular elites, aristocrats. Symbolizes the unity of the ordinary with the otherworldly. Not recommended for people with vulnerable psyches.
- Lilac. This ametrine is worn when wanting to find or keep love. Suitable for young girls or older artistic people.
- Lilac. Traditional shade of the ancient Muses led by Apollo. An ally of scientists and creative people, attracting inspiration.
- Golden peach . Helps to get rich, overcome the machinations of ill-wishers, recover from illness or excessive expenditure of energy.
The dominance of the solar scale makes ametrine useful in restoring mental or physical strength. Lilac or violet helps to distribute them wisely.
The uniform presence of gold and violet turns ametrine jewelry into a love talisman.
The healing effects of ametrine
The main advantage of the stone is that it feeds the owner with positive energy.
Ametrine exhibits medicinal properties in the following cases:
- problems of the nervous system: irritability, unmotivated fears, depression, insomnia;
- disturbances in the functioning of the cardiovascular system;
- hypertension.
To enhance immunity and remove toxins, wear jewelry with ametrine in silver.
We found out that the type of jewelry matters to solve specific problems:
- earrings with ametrine make you smarter, improve memory, relieve migraines;
- an ametrine bracelet is indicated for skin ailments (eczema, psoriasis); At the same time, it will rejuvenate the skin and smooth out wrinkles;
- a ring with ametrine heals the genital area: reproductive abilities increase in women, erectile abilities in men;
- necklace and beads made of ametrine eliminate anemia and normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract; the beneficial components of foods are absorbed better and the person does not overeat.
Ametrine stone figurine
The mineral reinforces the effect of medications, so jewelry with ametrine is worn while undergoing treatment.
Jewelry with mineral
Bolivianite is popular among lapidaries, as the bouquet of shades allows you to create a real masterpiece. The cutting is carried out by high-class lapidaries to skillfully highlight the unique color of the gem. The physical properties of the stone make it possible to cut out the most elaborate shapes from it.
In terms of color, the stone can be combined with any noble metal. The high cost of ametrine is justified by the fact that it is very rare, since the industrial production of the stone is located in a single deposit.
The jewelry mineral, due to its transparent play of colors and bright shades, is in demand if the high price of the product does not matter to a person.
- a pendant with a natural stone in gold costs $590;
- earrings with a natural gem in silver cost $225;
- a string of beads costs $300;
- a silver ring with a synthetic analogue of ametrine costs $25;
- silver earrings with artificial stone can be purchased for $23.
Obviously, the cost of synthetic stones is an order of magnitude lower than the price of a natural gem.
Ametrine and Zodiac
Astrologers are divided on the usefulness of the stone for the signs of the Zodiac. Some believe that ametrine is suitable for representatives of the Fire element. Others consider Pisces, Cancer, and Aquarius their favorites.
Ametrine brings changes with the plus sign, regardless of the zodiac sign.
According to the horoscope, ametrine stone is useful for everyone:
- Aries will be peaceful and reason sensibly.
- Taurus will be able to accurately select their communication style.
- For Gemini, this is a stone of wealth in every sense.
- Cancers will evaluate themselves objectively and will tolerate failures more easily.
- Aquarius spenders will become more careful with money.
- Libra will lose their rigidity of character.
- Scorpios will understand how to avoid conflicts.
- The degree of stubbornness of Capricorns will decrease.
- Sagittarians will find themselves, set a goal and focus on achieving it.
- Contemplation of the stone will become a relaxation for Leos, after which they will rush into battle with renewed vigor.
- Pisces can become magicians with ametrine.
Ametrine in gold will help calm arrogance and irritability, making it easier to get along with others.
The problem sign for the stone is Virgo. Jewelry with ametrine is suitable for them if they are not afraid of falling into depression or becoming overly compliant and indulgent.
Table of compatibility of ametrine with zodiac signs (“+++” - fits perfectly, “+” - can be worn, “-” - is strictly contraindicated).
Zodiac sign | Compatibility |
Aries | +++ |
Taurus | + |
Twins | + |
Cancer | + |
a lion | +++ |
Virgo | — |
Scales | + |
Scorpion | + |
Sagittarius | + |
Capricorn | + |
Aquarius | + |
Fish | + |
Astrological recommendations for ametrine lovers
Those who often read articles on our website know that most birthstones have a birth month.
Ametrine is an exception. Leading jewelers in Britain and America believe that ametrine does not have such a month.
Jewelry with a gem is suitable for fire signs of the Zodiac. These are Leo, Sagittarius, Aries. Ametrine will help keep the hot temper of these guys in check, add prudence and help “not run ahead of the locomotive.”
A polychrome crystal according to the Gemini horoscope is suitable. These nimble children of the star circle can greatly improve their well-being by having an ametrine amulet.
Virgos should not wear the ametrine gemstone often. He is able to reduce Virgo’s social circle and limit their interest in life.
Interesting: lithoastrologers believe that ametrine prefers people who think outside the box.