Birthstone Month :
Ametrine is not associated with a birthstone month.

Zodiac :
Ametrine is associated with the zodiac sign Libra.

Chemical Symbol :
SiO2

Chemical Make-up :
Ametrine is a Silicon Dioxide and is a member of the Quartz family. The unusual color variation in Ametrine is due to the presence of iron impurities in different oxidation states within the crystal structure

History & Lore :
The name Ametrine was coined for a member of the Quartz family which displays a combination of both Amethyst and Citrine. Natural Ametrine first arrived in the market in 1980 when it was discovered at the Anhai mine in Bolivia. This mine became well- known when a Spanish conquistador received it as a dowry when he married a princess from the Ayoreos tribe in the seventeenth century.

Ametrine is said to aid meditation, to calm and relieve tension, and dispel negativity . It is also believed to have all the metaphysical properties of both Amethyst and Citrine:

Amethyst has been thought to protect against intoxication and to help maintain a sober and serious mind. Amethyst opens and activates the crown chakra, the third eye chakra, and can also open the heart chakra. Amethyst can be used to fight a number of disorders including headaches, insomnia, hearing disorders, heart disorders, digestive system disorders, and has even been thought to help stabilize mental disorders. Amethyst also works emotionally and spiritually by providing patience, balance, calmness, and peace

It has been said that Citrine helps to manifest your goals and keeps the wearer cheerful. In ancient times, Citrine was carried as protection against snake venom and evil / impure thoughts. Citrine does not absorb negative energies but rather dissipates and transmutes them, which is why this stone is good for clearing your aura. It attracts abundance, prosperity, and success, and because of this Citrine has been nicknamed the "success stone." Citrine stimulates the solar plexas and third eye chakras, promoting stamina and activating intuition. It can also help to overcome sleep related problems such as insomnia and nightmares. Physically it is said to help with poor blood circulation, digestion, allergies, and an aid to curing life-threatening diseases.

Availability :
Ametrine rarely occurs naturally and most of the Ametrine found on the market today is heat-treated Amethyst. For Ametrine to occur naturally, the iron impurities in the quartz have to be affected in different ways. For example, both sides of the stone must be subjected to two slightly different temperatures during the crystallization process of the Quartz for Ametrine to form. The only two known sources of natural Ametrine is the Anahi mine in Bolivia and the Rio Grande do Sul mine in Brazil. Although this gemstone is rare it is relatively inexpensive.

Sources :
Ametrine became available on the market when in 1980 it was discovered in the Anahi mine in Bolivia. The only other known source of Ametrine is from the Rio Grande do Sul mine of Brazil.

Evaluation :
Ametrine is rated at 7 on Moh's Scale of Hardness and is a durable gemstone that lacks cleavage. Ametrine combines the appeal of both the violet-purple Amethyst and the yellow-orange Citrine in one bi-colored gemstone. Ametrine gemstones can be found displaying an equal share of the Amethyst and Citrine as well as a blended color affect, displaying attractive shades of rosy gold and mauve. The most important aspects to consider when viewing an Ametrine is the depth and intensity of the colors and the distinctiveness of the separation. The creativity of the cut should also be taken into account.

Common Cuts :
Ametrine is generally found faceted in a rectangular shape displaying equal amounts of Amethyst and Citrine. It is occasionally designed in a checkerboard pattern of facets to increase the light reflection. Ametrine is a popular stone amongst artistic cutters who play with the colors, sometimes cutting the stone to blend the colors that results in a mixture of yellow, purple, and peach hues throughout the stone.

Routine Enhancements :
Most of the Ametrine found on the market today is actually heat-treated Amethyst.

Care & Cleaning :
Ametrine is best cleaned using warm soapy water and a soft brush. Though there is no special care required, Ametrine stones should be kept away from prolonged exposure to excessive heat that can cause permanent changes in color. Household chemicals should also be avoided. Always store Ametrine jewelry in a fabric-lined box away from other jewelry items so as to avoid scratching.