# Ametrine: Properties, Colour, History & Jewellery **By cristian maxim** · 2021-01-17 ## What is ametrine? Ametrine is a naturally bicoloured variety of quartz that shows both purple and golden-yellow in a single stone. The purple zones are **amethyst** and the yellow zones are **citrine**, two colour varieties of the same mineral, quartz (silicon dioxide, SiO2). Because it combines the two, the name is a blend of "amethyst" and "citrine". Almost all natural ametrine comes from one place, the Anahi mine in Bolivia, which is why it is sometimes called _Bolivianite_. It is prized for the striking contrast of purple and gold in one gem, and at Mohs hardness 7 it is durable enough for everyday jewellery. This guide covers what ametrine actually is, how it gets its two colours, its history, how to tell natural from lab-grown, and how to care for it. ![Ametrine, bicolour quartz combining amethyst and citrine](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0532/7136/3765/files/b93340a5-83f1-4517-bb2e-83bed9b3434a_1024x1024.webp?v=1771762422) ## How ametrine gets its two colours The colours of both amethyst and citrine come from iron held inside the quartz crystal structure, but in different states. Amethyst's purple is produced by iron together with natural irradiation from surrounding rock. Citrine's golden yellow comes from iron in a different, more oxidised state, usually associated with higher temperatures. In ametrine, a single crystal grew across a natural temperature difference, so one part of the crystal formed under conditions that produced amethyst while an adjacent part formed conditions that produced citrine. The result is two colour zones meeting along a boundary inside one stone. This is uncommon in nature, which is part of what makes ametrine distinctive. How ametrine gets its two colours One quartz crystal split into an amethyst purple zone, coloured by iron and natural irradiation, and a citrine golden zone, coloured by iron in a warmer zone, meeting at a central boundary. Both are quartz, silicon dioxide, at Mohs hardness 7. Natural ametrine is mined at the Anahi mine in Bolivia. Ametrine: one quartz crystal, two colours Amethyst zone Purple Citrine zone Golden yellow Iron + natural irradiation gives the purple Iron in a warmer zone gives the gold Boundary Both are quartz (SiO2), Mohs 7. Natural ametrine is mined at the Anahi mine, Bolivia. crystalshealing.co.uk ### Physical properties at a glance - **Mineral:** Quartz (silicon dioxide, SiO2), bicolour amethyst and citrine - **Colour:** Purple (amethyst zones) and golden yellow to orange (citrine zones) in one stone - **Colour cause:** Iron, in two different states across a temperature gradient during growth - **Mohs hardness:** 7, scratch-resistant and suitable for all jewellery - **Lustre:** Vitreous (glassy) - **Transparency:** Transparent, usually faceted - **Cleavage:** None, durable under normal wear - **Main source:** Anahi mine, Santa Cruz department, Bolivia - **UV note:** The amethyst portion can fade with prolonged direct sunlight ## The Anahi mine: where ametrine comes from Nearly all natural ametrine in the world is mined at a single deposit, the Anahi mine in the remote wetlands of eastern Bolivia. According to the traditional story, the mine was given as a dowry to a Spanish conquistador in the 17th century when he married Anahi, a princess of the Ayoreo people, and the mine takes her name. It then passed out of European knowledge for centuries and only re-entered the international gem market in the 1960s and 1970s. Today the Anahi mine remains the primary commercial source of natural ametrine, which is why the stone is so closely tied to Bolivia. ## How to assess ametrine quality Ametrine is judged mainly on colour and on how well the cut shows off its two zones. - **Colour contrast:** The most valued stones show a clear, attractive contrast between a rich purple and a warm golden yellow. Pale or muddy colours are less desirable. - **Zoning and cut:** Many ametrines are cut as rectangles or emerald cuts that show a roughly 50/50 split of purple and gold, sometimes with a crisp boundary, sometimes a soft blend. Both looks are popular; it comes down to preference. - **Clarity:** Gem ametrine is usually transparent and eye-clean. Visible cracks or cloudiness reduce value. - **Size:** Larger stones show the two-colour effect more dramatically and are more sought after. ## Natural vs lab-grown and imitation ametrine This is the most important thing to know before buying. Because natural ametrine comes from one mine, **laboratory-grown (synthetic) ametrine** is common, especially in inexpensive jewellery. Synthetic ametrine has the same chemistry as natural stone but is made in a factory, and it should always be sold as such and at a lower price. Things to be aware of: - **Lab-grown ametrine:** often very clean, with very even, perfectly straight colour zones and a low price. Reputable sellers disclose it. There is nothing wrong with buying synthetic if it is described honestly, but it is not natural Bolivian ametrine. - **Heated amethyst:** amethyst can be partly heat-treated to turn some zones yellow, creating an ametrine-like look. This is a treatment, not natural growth zoning. - **Dyed or coated quartz and glass:** cheap "ametrine" beads can be dyed quartz or glass. Glass may show tiny bubbles inside and feels warm quickly in the hand. - **How to buy with confidence:** ask whether a stone is natural or lab-grown, expect natural Bolivian ametrine to cost more, and be cautious of large, flawless, very cheap stones with suspiciously perfect zoning. **Shop amethyst and citrine at Crystals Healing UK** Ametrine combines amethyst and citrine. Explore both, handmade jewellery in the UK with free delivery on orders over £30. [Amethyst collection](https://crystalshealing.co.uk/collections/amethyst-crystals) [Citrine collection](https://crystalshealing.co.uk/collections/citrine-crystals) [All crystal jewellery](https://crystalshealing.co.uk/collections/crystal-jewellery) ## Ametrine in jewellery At Mohs 7 with no cleavage, ametrine is well suited to all jewellery types, including rings and bracelets that take daily wear. It is most often faceted, because faceting and a transparent stone show the two-colour effect best. Pendants and rings are popular because they display a single, eye-catching stone. ### What pairs well with ametrine - **Clear Quartz (Mohs 7):** colourless and bright, it lets ametrine's two colours stand out, and the hardness matches. - **Citrine (Mohs 7):** echoes the golden half of ametrine for a warm, tonal look. - **Amethyst (Mohs 7):** echoes the purple half, a natural same-family pairing. - **Smoky Quartz (Mohs 7):** a neutral, smoky tone that grounds the brighter colours. Because these are all quartz-family stones at Mohs 7, they wear and store well together without scratching each other.  ## How to care for ametrine - **Water:** ametrine is quartz (Mohs 7) and is safe for a brief rinse in cool water, then dry with a soft cloth. Avoid prolonged soaking, especially for jewellery with glued or plated settings. - **Sunlight:** keep ametrine out of prolonged direct sun. Like amethyst, the purple zones can fade over time with strong UV exposure, which would unbalance the two-colour effect. - **Heat:** avoid sudden or strong heat (for example steam cleaners), which can alter quartz colour. - **Storage:** store separately from harder stones, and clean with a soft cloth and mild soap when needed. For which stones tolerate water, see our [water-safe crystals guide](https://crystalshealing.co.uk/blogs/crystals-tips/water-safe-crystals-what-can-go-in-water-and-what-to-avoid). ## Frequently asked questions ### What is ametrine? Ametrine is a natural variety of quartz that contains both amethyst (purple) and citrine (yellow) in a single stone. The two colours come from iron in different states across a temperature gradient during the crystal's growth. Its name is a blend of amethyst and citrine, and most natural ametrine is mined in Bolivia. ### Is ametrine natural or man-made? Both exist. Natural ametrine is mined, almost entirely at the Anahi mine in Bolivia. Laboratory-grown (synthetic) ametrine is also widely sold, especially in cheap jewellery, and should be disclosed and priced accordingly. Ask the seller which one you are buying. ### How can I tell if ametrine is real? Natural ametrine usually has slightly less perfect, more organic colour zoning and a higher price. Lab-grown stones tend to be very clean with perfectly straight, even zones at a low cost. Glass imitations can show internal bubbles and warm up quickly in the hand. Buy from sellers who state whether a stone is natural or synthetic. ### Can ametrine go in water? Yes, briefly. Ametrine is quartz with a Mohs hardness of 7 and tolerates a quick rinse in cool water, then drying. Avoid prolonged soaking and salt water, and take care with jewellery settings. ### Does ametrine fade? The amethyst (purple) part can fade with prolonged direct sunlight, just as plain amethyst does. Keep ametrine out of strong sun for long periods to preserve its two-colour balance. ### Where does ametrine come from? Almost all natural ametrine comes from the Anahi mine in the Santa Cruz region of eastern Bolivia, which is why it is sometimes called Bolivianite. ### What is the difference between ametrine, amethyst and citrine? All three are colour varieties of quartz. Amethyst is purple, citrine is yellow to orange, and ametrine is a single stone that contains both colours together. They share the same hardness (Mohs 7) and similar care. ## Related reading - [Amethyst: colour, properties, meaning and jewellery](https://crystalshealing.co.uk/blogs/crystals-tips/the-mystical-beauty-of-amethyst-history-benefits-and-uses "Amethyst guide") - [Water-Safe Crystals: what can go in water and what to avoid](https://crystalshealing.co.uk/blogs/crystals-tips/water-safe-crystals-what-can-go-in-water-and-what-to-avoid "Water safe crystals") - [Crystal Jewellery Guide: types, meaning and how to choose](https://crystalshealing.co.uk/blogs/crystals-tips/crystal-jewelry-guide-meaning-types-benefits-how-to-choose "Crystal jewellery guide") ## Shop - [Amethyst Collection](/collections/amethyst-crystals "Amethyst crystals UK") - [Citrine Collection](/collections/citrine-crystals "Citrine crystals UK") - [Crystal Jewellery](/collections/crystal-jewellery "Crystal jewellery UK") and [Crystal Gifts](/collections/crystal-gifts "Crystal gifts UK") - [New Arrivals](/collections/new-arrivals "New arrivals") and [Sale](/collections/sale "Sale") - [Free Crystal Care Checklist (PDF)](/pages/free-crystal-care-checklist-printable-pdf "Free Crystal Care Checklist (PDF)") and [Water-Safe Crystals Quick Chart (PDF)](/pages/water-safe-crystals-quick-chart-printable-pdf "Water-Safe Crystals Quick Chart (PDF)") Our crystals are sold as decorative natural stones, jewellery and gifts. We make no medical, therapeutic, spiritual or supernatural claims about them. If you have a health concern, please consult a qualified medical professional. **Tags:** Ametrine, Ametrine crystal, Ametrine meaning --- > Source: [Crystals Healing UK](crystalshealing.co.uk/blogs/crystals-tips/ametrine)