Ametrine
Amethyst is a purple quartz. Citrine is a yellow quartz. When quartz displays the colors of amethyst and citrine in a single gem, the material is called ametrine or amethyst-citrine. The presence of amethyst and citrine colors in a quartz crystal is a rare gift of nature.
Ametrine History and Lore
The world’s only commercial source of ametrine is the Anahi mine in southeastern Bolivia. Legend has it that a Spanish conquistador discovered the mine’s location in the 1600s and introduced the gem to Europeans when he presented several specimens to his queen. The mine had been given to him as a dowry when he married a native princess named Anahi. After that, the mine was lost for more than three centuries. Rediscovered in the 1960s, the mine’s ametrine began appearing on the market again during the 1970s. Today the mine, named Anahi for the legendary princess, also produces natural amethyst and citrine.
The mine area is remote. Travel to and from the mine is limited to a flight in a small airplane or by a combination of roads and boats. Some supplies and personnel travel to and from the mine by air. Supplies and mine production move by boat. It’s not hard to imagine why the mine’s location was lost for centuries.
We Have Two!
We have two ametrine rings that trumpet sophistication, style and allure.
One is an 8.90ct emerald cut ametrine that flashes a color gradient of purple and yellow. Set in an openwork polished band that is accented with delicate diamonds.
The other is a 14mm x 8mm ametrine set in a 22K gold vermeil bezel, on a sterling silver band that is accented with 22k gold vermeil details.
Stop by and see these gorgeous gemstones in person!