Ametrine stone

Ametrine is a purple quartz. Citrine is a yellow quartz. Quartz that displays bands of both purple and yellow is known as ametrine. Gem-quality ametrine is sourced from only a single site in Bolivia. Emerald cuts and fantasy carvings are popular ways to showcase the dramatic color zoning in this very durable gemstone.

Ametrine’s abrupt color transition reflects slight fluctuations in temperature and pressure during its formation. Depending on these factors, iron impurities could lead to the formation of amethyst or citrine zones within a quartz stone. (Today, heat treating amethyst gems actually produces a great deal of citrine, artificially. So, you can easily imagine how natural heating and/or cooling can produce the bi-colored quartz).

Like most quartz gems, ametrine occurs in fairly large, clean pieces. Thus, the price per carat doesn’t increase with larger size stones. Ametrine prices are rather modest. As far as the material itself, the depth and vividness of colors and the distinction of the color separation are the main value points. The artistry of the cutting or carving adds most of the value to many ametrine pieces. You’ll find a world of difference between a commercial grade or native cut and a fine custom stone, even when cut from the same rough material

Although ametrine was first reported from Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, the Anahí Mine in Bolivia currently produces all the known, gem-quality material. The native peoples of the region have long valued this stone. However, the mine was seemingly lost to commercial interests after the 17th century and not rediscovered until the 1960s.

Non-commercial deposits have also been found in the United States, Canada, India, and Mozambique.