Ametrine Gemstones

The Bicolor Amethyst - Citrine Gemstone

Ametrine is the name used when a single crystal of quartz has zones of gemstone quality amethyst (purple) and gemstone quality citrine (golden) in contact with one another. The words AMEthyst and ciTRINE were combined to yield ametrine. Sometimes the name trystine is used in reference to these purple / golden gemstones.

As a variety of quartz, ametrine is very hard, at seven on the Mohs Hardness Scale. This hardness along with a lack of cleavage makes ametrine suitable for almost any jewelry purpose, including rings and bracelets that might encounter accidental impact. Many consider ametrine to be an elegant but inexpensive gemstone.

This multi-colored gemstone has more than a double color, it seems also to have a double history. Most geological references state that Ametrine was first brought to the gem market in the 1970s. Except there is another story about this special crystal that dates back to the conquistadors stating a quite different story.

During the 17th century, a conquistador named Don Felipe married Anakha, the princess to the Aureiros tribe of Bolivia. The mine, named Anahi for the princess, was given to him as part of her dowry. When it came time for Felipe to return to Spain, his princess bride wished to return with him. As the couple attempted to depart, angry tribesmen turned on them and murdered the young princess. The duo colored gem is said to represent the princess' two loyalties: to her husband and to her tribe.

Mohs Hardness of 7 with a trigonal crystal structure.

Also known as trystine or by it's trade name bolivianite, it is a naturally occurring variety of quartz. It is a "mixture" of amethyst and citrine with zones of purple and of yellow or orange, but yet a crystal of it's own, not just a mixture of it's two cousins. Most all commercially available ametrine is minded in Bolivia, although there are deposits being exploited in Brazil as well as India.

The different colors visible within ametrine are due to differing oxidation states of iron within the crystal. The different oxidation states occur due to a temperature gradient across the crystal during it's formation.

In order for the Iron to produce both colors within the same crystal, very specific conditions have to be present. Not only does one area of the crystal have to be exposed to more heat, while another section is slightly cooler; this dual temperature condition has to remain stable during the entire growth cycle of the crystal.

Geologists theorize that a deep vent within the Anahi mine created just the right amount of

heat, flowing in just the right direction to cause one area of the forming crystals to stay "hotter" than the rest. Creating the perfect balance to form ametrines. Otherwise, these magical gems would have become Amethysts or Citrines.

Only two places on the entire planet had just the right circumstances to form Ametrine Crystals. The Anahi Mine in Bolivia and the Hyderabad Mine in India. The Bolivian mine yields about 90% of ametrine being marketed today.

In 1999 a new area of the mine was opened near Pozo Rico and a huge cavern of Ametrine crystals was discovered. This crystal covered cave measures 4 meters x 3 meters x 1 meter. India's Ametrine is primarily Amethyst with small Citrine zones and lack the rich bi-coloring found in the Bolivian specimens.

Today the bi-colors of the Ametrine are extremely popular in the jewelry trade. Despite its rarity, this special Quartz crystal remains very reasonably priced. Cutters have developed new faceting techniques and elongated rectangles shapes to show off this gem's delightful duality. Artificial ametrine can be created by differential heat treatment of amethyst.

Mystical Properties:

Ametrine is said to have all the metaphysical properties of both amethyst and citrine combined, as well its own unique properties. Ametrine energies are said to stimulate the intellect and rid the aura of negative energy.

It helps you recognize the divinity within all, thus eliminating prejudice. It helps release old programs in the mind and attunes you to higher states of consciousness in meditation.

For those engaged in what you believe to be mundane activities, ametrine teaches you to balance your physical activities with your spiritual hunger. Workaholics learn to pause and enjoy the fruits that your labors provide. Procrastinators discover the empowering joy of fully completing a task and the rewards one reaps when a goal is finally achieved. Those that walk among the clouds suddenly find purpose in touching the Earth.

If you walk with fear, ametrine will reveal your hidden warrior to you. If you move with detailed precision, executing well thought out plans, your gem will show you the power of serendipity and taking a chance.

When eyes are blind to the plight of others, this stone will help bring the connection and responsibility we share with every resident of our planet.

Ametrine teaches you these simple, unrelenting connections. There is no life without death. You cannot know joy if you have not known sadness. You are not safe as long as another is in

danger. The duality of the ametrine.

Energy: Receptive

Element: Water

Powers: Healing, understanding, openness with the All

Ametrine is very much its own crystal, with its own dramatic formation process, its own unique energies and its own story.

The ametrine's duality makes it a powerful companion for creative, healing and psychic workings. Purple and gold/yellow are opposite of each other on the color wheel, and yet are very complimentary to each other. A royal purple robe is even more stunning when decorated with gold trim.

In this one crystal you can utilize the cool dark powers of the purple night and the bright warm strength of the sunny day. If you perform readings, work in the astral plane, wish to communicate with spirits, energies and guides in alternative worlds, Ametrine is extremely effective at opening these psychic doorways. It will provide protection as you journey through these unfamiliar landscapes, and light your way back to familiar ground.

Ametrine is very helpful in getting rid of depression. This leads to inner peace and tranquility.

Many believe that it contains the powers of amethyst and citrine in one stone, making it a very powerful money stone as well as an excellent via to higher psychic awareness and spiritual enlightenment.

VERY RARE POWER STONE.