There’s only one commercial source of natural Ametrine: a deposit in eastern Bolivia. Legend has it that a Spanish conquistador discovered the location in the 1600s, but it was lost for more than three centuries. Ametrine began appearing on the market again during the 1970s. The mine named the “Anahi” also produces natural amethyst and citrine. Fine Ametrine shows medium dark to moderately strong orange, and vivid to strong purple or violetish purple.

Larger gems, usually those over 5 carats, tend to show the most intensely saturated hues. Dealers look for an attractive half-and-half distribution of each color, with a sharp boundary between the two colors at the center of the fashioned gemstone.

Legend tells that the Ayoreo, a tribe native to eastern Bolivia, discovered ametrine more than 500 years ago. The site of their discovery, located in southeastern Bolivia, was later named for a native Bolivian princess who became the wife of an early Spanish conquistador. The mine was offered by her people as a wedding gift upon their marriage. Proud to show this stunning gem to his queen in Spain, the conquistador brought specimens of ametrine back to Europe as early as the 1600s. Mysteriously, the mine and its treasures were subsequently lost and nearly forgotten.

After more than 300 years of obscurity, the Aniha Mine was rediscovered in the 1960s and ametrine made its modern debut in the gemstone market in the 70s. Today Aniha Mine is the only place in the world producing gemstone quality ametrine. Bolivians proudly call ametrine their national gemstone, which also goes by the moniker “bolivianite”.

Ametrine calms the mind by clearing stress and tension from the head. Balances and soothes emotions and relieves depression. Ametrine overcomes prejudice by enhancing compatibility and acceptance of others. It stimulates creativity and supports taking control of one’s own life.

Ametrine can be safely cleaned with warm, soapy water. Ultrasonic cleaners are usually safe except in the rare instances where a stone is dyed or treated by fracture filling. Steam cleaning is not recommended, and ametrine should not be exposed to heat.

Color Range:

Bicolored Combination Of Purple, Yellow

Major Sources:

Bolivia, India, Brazil