Ametrine, also known as bolivianite, is a naturally occurring variety of quartz. It is a blend of amethyst and citrine with areas of purple and yellow or orange. Almost all commercially available ametrine is mined in Bolivia. The color of the visible areas inside the ametrine is due to different oxidation states of the iron inside the crystal. The citrine segments have oxidized iron while the amethyst segments are non-oxidized. The different oxidation states occur due to the presence of a temperature gradient in the crystal during its formation. Artificial ametrine is created from natural citrine through beta irradiation (which creates a portion of amethyst), or from an amethyst that is transformed into citrine through differential heat treatment. Legend has it that ametrine was first introduced to Europe by a conquistador who gave it as a gift to the Spanish queen in 1600, after receiving a mine in Bolivia as a dowry when he married a princess of the native Ayoreos tribe.
Dimensions
Single stone hole diameter (mm): 1
Single stone width (mm): 4-5
Single stone height (mm): 6-8
Property
Chemical Formula: SiO2
Mohs scale: 7
Relative density: 2.65
Crystalline System: Hexagonal
