Ametrine is a unique form of bicolored Quartz that combines the golden yellow colors of Citrine with the violet purple colors of Amethyst. The color zoning in Ametrine is caused by oxidation of iron within the Citrine color zones, with the Amethyst portion remaining unoxidized. Ametrine, like all Quartz crystal, is a tectosilicate of pure silicon dioxide. It is a durable stone with a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale and forms in the 6 sided hexagonal crystal system.

The conditions for Ametrine to form, had to be perfect during its formation. The crystals had to be exposed to uneven heat with the slightly hotter portion of the crystal was able to oxidize as Citrine. These unusual conditions had to be maintained for the duration of the crystal’s formation in order to achieve the natural Ametrine state. They also had to grow in an area where both Citrine and Amethyst grew side by side. Thus, there is really only one source in the world for commercial grade Ametrine. Nearly  all Ametrine comes from a deposit in eastern Bolivia close to Brazil which was first discovered in the 1600’s. After being lost in the history of Spanish colonization it was rediscovered in the 1970’s. The only other locality that sometimes produces Ametrine color zoning is Brandberg, Namibia but these specimens are not ideal for cutting and are generally appreciated in their natural crystal form.

Amethysts have been embraced by many cultures and have been found in Egyptian tombs dating back to around 3,000 B.C. Many of the ancient attributes given to Amethyst are still recognized today in metaphysics. It is believed to be a stone of spiritual and physical protection, aiding in the purification of the body and aura and enhancing one’s devotion and connection to the Divine.

The name Amethyst comes from the Greek amethustos, meaning ‘not drunken’. In Greek mythology it is the goddess Diana who saved the beautiful maiden Amethyst from cruel death at the hands of the wine god Dionysius’ tigers by transforming her into a large clear crystal. Dionysius, upon realizing his cruelty and becoming remorseful, accidentally spilt wine over the crystal, upon which it changed its color to purple. It was believed in Roman times that wearing an Amethyst would prevent one from becoming drunk and Amethyst crystals and gemstones are often worn for protection today.

Catherine the Great had a great love for Amethyst and sent thousands of workers to find the best specimens in the Urals, and Cleopatra had a beautiful Amethyst ring accredited with the power to lure the attentions of Julius Caesar and Marcus Aurelius.

Throughout history Amethysts have always been greatly prized by the powerful and wealthy, however, with the large deposits found in Brazil making its availability quite common, the price of this fabulous crystal has become much more affordable in modern times.

In ancient times, Citrine was said to ward of evil spirits and acted as a protective stone against evil thoughts, and a  shield against illness and snake bites. Known as “the merchant stone” citrine had an excellent reputation amongst tradesmen for encouraging prosperity and abundance.

In ancient Vedic belief, Citrine is represented by the god Brahaspati and the planet Jupiter. It is considered to be the teacher of the gods and the seat  of wisdom and high knowledge. In Ancient Greece and Egypt the stone was one of the key gemstones used in jewelry and talismans. Citrine was thought to soothe anger, calm the nerves and help manifest one’s deepest desires.