Characteristics of Ametrine
Ametrine is a bicolored gemstone composed of citrine and amethyst that is naturally mined and synthetically produced for use in jewelry and ornaments. It was first introduced to Europe from the Americas via a conquistador in the 1600s, who presented it to his queen. However, the gem has only been commercially available since 1980 when its main source, the Anahi Mine in Bolivia, became operational. In 1994, commercial synthetic ametrine made its entrance into the market. The composition of ametrine is the inspiration for its name. It takes the "ame" of amethyst and the "trine" of citrine.
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Chemical Characteristics
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Ametrine is a variety of quartz. The basic formula for quartz is silicon dioxide, or SiO2, meaning that it contains the chemical elements silicon and oxygen. In addition to this basic chemical makeup, ametrine contains traces of iron.
Physical Characteristics
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Except for its coloration, ametrine's physical features are the same as that of quartz. Physical characteristics of quartz include conchoidal or "shell like" fracturing, vitreous luster, translucency and its crystal formation classification, the trigonal system. On the Mohs scale of hardness, used to test minerals, diamond rates a 10 and talc rates a 1. Basic quartz, and therefore ametrine, rates a 7, making it one step below topaz. The source of ametrine's coloration is iron. The purple and yellow colors, which generally are sharply distinct, are caused by two types of iron, different in terms of their states of oxidation. These two types of iron must be present in separate sections of the stone during formation.
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Attributed Characteristics
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The New Age movement connects ametrine to the dwarf planet Pluto as well as the planets Mercury, Neptune and Jupiter. Ametrine is also utilized in the practice of crystal healing. Crystal healing practitioners believe that ametrine possesses the same powers as amethyst and citrine. Advocates of crystal healing have attributed such powers to citrine as removing toxins, healing muscles, increasing intuition and boosting self-confidence and alertness. Powers attributed to amethyst include healing arthritis, improving the immune system and general pain relief, as well as healing heart problems, skin problems and the digestion system.
Ametrine Pricing Characteristics
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Ametrine averages $8 per carat, as of March 2011, and can be found in clear, sizable pieces, though it can become more expensive with an increase in perceived quality. Pricing ametrine depends on the intensity of the colors, the distinctness of the stone's colors and how a gemstone cutter shapes the stone to display the colors.
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