Ametrine - Two Gems in One
Clear, bright, beautiful and . what? Quick, what's the fourth attribute of an ametrine? This should be as easy as naming the Three Stooges. Ninety-nine-point-nine percent of the gemstones do not possess it. Yes, it is double-colored beauty.
Ametrine is best known as one of the few gems to display two colors. A few others may display dual hues but they are not usually two distinct gemstones. Bi-colored tourmaline, like the watermelon variety, is only tourmaline. Ametrine, on the other hand is both amethyst and citrine. Of course, amethyst and citrine are both quartz of different colors but each color has a well accepted name. Thus the name ametrine is a hybrid of the two gemstones' names which is fitting considering that ametrine is also a hybrid created by nature.
When the gem first appeared in the market, it was not known from where it came. Speculation was that it was synthetic. The educated guesses were close but nevertheless incorrect.
It is amazing that the experts did not know that ametrine was available as a natural gemstone from Bolivia. A 17th century Spanish conquistador received the mine as a dowry when he married a princess of the Anahi Indian tribe. Ametrine was sent as a gift to the Spanish queen by the conquistador. These events preceded the ability of laboratories to make quartz in any form.
The Anahi mine which produces almost all of the world's ametrine lies in the tropical southern province in southern Bolivia called Santa Cruz. Santa Cruz is one of the fastest growing cities in Bolivia and boasts of a thriving economy in one of the poorest countries in Latin America. The gemstone is not only exported to meet the world demand but sold to a local flourishing market (see right-hand illustration of Santa Cruz jewelry stores) where it is called Bolivianite - which happens to be the scientific nomenclature for an unrelated mineral and a valid reason to avoid the term.
Cutting ametrine usually yields a rectangle, step-cut gem (emerald cut) with the colors meeting in the midpoint - called a 50-50 pairing. The yellow end of the gem is citrine and the purple is amethyst. Some ametrine gems even display a peach colored area in the middle.
Bolivia's current government, which has close relationships with socialistic governments such as Venezuela, Cuba, North Korea and Iran, has been nationalizing mines and other natural resources. So far, the ametrine mines are still privately owned. However, it is expected that a shut-down of exportation of this beautiful gemstone may occur in the near future. In such a case, ametrine may become more expensive and less available to a growing demand. We recommend acquiring your ametrine now while the prices are stable and there is an ample supply from which to select as its future is now in doubt.
You should select an ametrine that is bright since quartz tends to be dull or less lively. Insist on an even color division, with both colors distinct - it needs to look like citrine and amethyst. Examine the stone for any noticeable fractures or cracks as this stone is easily found without any inclusions. Lastly, inquire about the gem's origin, possible enhancement processes and if it is natural.
Since ametrines can be acquired in large sizes, they make great pendants as well as ring stones.
