Bolivianita or Ametrine Gemstone

Bolivianita or Ametrine Gemstone

Amethyst and Citrine are a variety of quartz that are found in the same location. However, it is extremely rare for both quartzes to be found in the same crystal. Yet, it happens. Ametrine is a color-zone gemstone of which its colors come from both Amethyst and Citrine. Thus, its name Ametrine. It is also known as Bolivianita and Trystine.

Commercial Ametrine is mined only from one place, the Anahi Mine in South-eastern Bolivia. Though Ametrine was known by the Inca people of Bolivia since the ancient times, it only became available on the market from about the 1980s. Another Ametrine deposit has be found in Brazil, Rio Grande de Sul.

Ametrine is of a silicon dioxide chemical composition. It occurs in a trigonal, hexagonal prisms crystals structure. It is bi-colored from violet-purple to deep purple, yellow-brown to gold-brown. As it is a variety of quartz, its hardness is 7 on the Mohs scale. It is transparent with a glass-like luster and a weak bluish fluorescence.

It is traces of iron that produces the colors in both Amethyst and Citrine, however, the different colors in Ametrine crystals are due to differing corrosion states of iron within the crystal which are due to temperature differences across the crystal during its development.

Unlike Amethyst which is abundant, Citrine, on the other hand is very rare and this makes Ametrine an exceptional one-of-a-kind gem. The most sought after Ametrine comes with an even 50/50 bicolor bands of purple and yellow. Only few specimens of Ametrine are in vivid purple and yellow colors.

Synthetic or lab-created Ametrine is usually bright in colors whereas a natural one has a medium level of saturation. Ametrine is a clear (transparent) quartz variety that is typically eye-clean with no inclusions.

Ametrine is often faceted in an octagonal, rectangular, step-cut, Portuguese cut, scissor cut, concave-cut or checkboard styles with an even 50/50 bicolor banding. Carvings from Ametrine of animals and other natural items are becoming very popular as well.

Though synthetic Ametrine does exist, it is not in high demand. This is because natural Ametrine, though extremely rare, still remains quite affordable.

There are other bicolored gemstones that can be mistaken for Ametrine. These are the bicolored Tourmaline and bicolored Sapphire. But you can differentiate each one of them by their colors; Watermelon Tourmaline comes in red and green whereas bicolored Sapphire contains blue.

Ametrine combines the metaphysical properties of both Amethyst and Citrine. It is an alternative birthstone for those born in February and November. It is the planetary stone of both Uranus and Neptune and represents the zodiac signs of both Pisces and Cancer.

Amethyst is derived from the Greek AMETHYSTOS meaning Not Drunk. It was worn by the ancient Greek to protect themselves against over indulgence which included wine and sex. It became a symbol of sobriety and faithfulness to God within high ranking members of the Catholic Church.

Citrine is derived from the old French CITRON which means Lemon. It is known as the Merchant’s Stone and is believed to bring success and wealth for merchants. It was used as an amulet for protection against venomous serpents and against evil forms of thinking.

Since ancient times people believed that certain stones were sacred and held astrological healing powers. Today most of these sacred gemstones are the different variety of quartz and the brilliantly colored stones which the organic ones are also included.

These stones were used in ancient times by medicine men, healers and shamans in their healing rituals worldwide. Note: Organic gemstones are those gems of which its origin is organic, ie. formed from biological processes of either animal or plant such as the pearl, coral, amber, jet, bone and ivory.

For thousands of years healers all over the world have spoken and written about the healing powers of these crystals, stones, and organic gemstones. Where a sacred stone was placed was very important. Ancient people did not just place anything on their body, it must serve a purpose. Crown, forehead, ear, nose, lips, eye, neck, heart, stomach, naval, wrist, finger, ankles, etcetera were usually the target areas where a specific gem was put.

Ametrine is thought to help relieve migraines, stomach problems, back pains, and helps those with alcoholic addiction.

Ametrine is popularly used in jewelry as it is hard and durable. It also comes with an excellent transparency and can easily be cut in a variety of sizes, shapes and facets styles. Ametrine is one of the most sought-after bicolored gemstones; the other being bicolored Tourmaline. Though both are rare, Watermelon Tourmaline is the more expensive one.

To clean your Ametrine simply use water with soap and a soft cloth to wipe down the soapy residue. Note, too, that extreme heat can damage the lovely colors of Ametrine permanently. Keep this rare gemstone away from other gemstones regardless whether they are softer than Ametrine.