Ametrine Facts
Ametrine is a quartz crystal with purple and yellow components. The purple part of ametrine is amethyst, while the yellow part is citrine. Ametrine is a durable, inexpensive crystal suitable for a variety of uses, including everyday jewelry. However, the contrast in colors is most pronounced when the stone is at least 7 carats. Does this Spark an idea?
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Source of Ametrine
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A Spanish conquistador received the Anahi mine as a dowry for marrying a high-ranking woman named Anahi from the Ayoreos tribe in what is now Bolivia. Ametrine was introduced to the western world after the queen of Spain received crystals as a gift. The Anahi Mine in Bolivia is the only source of globally marketed, natural ametrine. It is operated by Minerales y Metales de Oriente, S.R.L., and employed 70 workers on site in 2010.
How Ametrine Is Formed
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Ametrine is formed in veins of dolomitic limestone. Both the amethyst and citrine colors are formed by the introduction of small amounts of iron, according to the California Institute of Technology. The orange-yellow varieties of citrine (like those in marketed Bolivian ametrine) have about 70 parts per million of iron, while the purple amethyst components have between 20 and 40 parts per million or iron.
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Faceting Ametrine
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Ametrine is typically formed into a rectangular shape with equal amounts of amethyst and citrine. Occasionally the front face of the crystal forms a checkerboard pattern to increase the amount of light reflected. The crystal can also be cut in such a way that the yellow, purple and peach colors are blended.
Synthetic Ametrine
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Synthetic ametrine is produced in Russia using giant hydrothermal vessels, according to Caltech. They are grown on rocks of rectangular seed crystals and the colors are added later. Synthetic ametrine can be easily identified by a clear section in the center of the crystal stretching from left to right. The citrine color is also in the interior of the stone, while the amethyst is at the rim. Natural ametrine has a gradation from top to bottom of yellow and purple colors.
Caring for Ametrine
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According to gem expert Dan Dennis, ametrine should be polished with a soft cloth and rinsed in plain water or a mild solution of soap and water. Commercial jewelry cleaner can also be used. Ametrine should not be soaked for long periods of time.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit amethyst 2 image by Jim Parkin from Fotolia.com
