Ametrine (amethyst-citrine): meaning, origin, real or fake, care

What is amethyst-citrine?

Amethyst-citrine, often called ametrine, is a quartz (SiO2) that combines two colours in one crystal: the violet of amethyst and the yellow-orange of citrine. Its hardness is 7. Both tones come from iron, present in different oxidation states in different zones of the crystal: a temperature gradient during growth is enough to create the violet and yellow sectors.

Almost all natural ametrine comes from a single mine in Bolivia, the Anahí mine, in the east of the country; smaller deposits exist in Brazil and India. This is what makes natural stones relatively rare. It is sometimes sold under the trade name bolivianite.

Each crystal is a unique blend: the violet and golden bands or sectors vary in proportion, sometimes with a soft transition from one to the other.

Legend and history

A well-known anecdote tells that a Spanish conquistador, who received the mine as a dowry on marrying an indigenous princess (named Anahí, hence the name of the mine), offered crystals to the Queen of Spain in the 17th century. This story appears in several books, but it belongs to legend: we have found no solid historical source that establishes it.

What is better established is that ametrine entered international trade at the end of the 20th century, when the Bolivian mine began to export regularly.

Traditional symbolism

Because it combines two stones, ametrine has inherited the symbols of both. Amethyst is linked to serenity and intuition, citrine to joy and optimism. In the modern stone tradition, it is therefore presented as a stone of balance between calm and drive, between mind and action.

These are modern associations, with no demonstrated effect on health or character. They do not replace medical advice, and everyone may choose the stone for the beauty of its two colours.

Traditional correspondences

For the meaning of these reference points, see the page on the crown chakra.

How to use it

• As jewellery: cut into a stone, where the colour zones show well. It is hard enough for daily wear. See the guide to gemstone jewellery.
• As a rough or polished stone: a crystal or a tumbled stone, in which you can admire the change from violet to yellow.
• In meditation: holding the stone while looking at its two colours is a simple exercise in attention.

Care and purification

• Water: lukewarm water and mild soap, then dry.
• Sun and heat: avoid, as they can fade the violet part.
• Salt and household products: avoid.
• Knocks: raw points are fragile.

See the guide to purifying and recharging your stones for symbolic gestures.

Recognising real ametrine and avoiding surprises

This is the most important part of this page: ametrine on the market is very often treated or manufactured.

• Partially heated or irradiated amethyst: most of the ametrine sold is amethyst part of which has been lightened or yellowed by treatment. This is a common practice, and you should ask the seller about it.
• Synthetic: laboratory ametrine is grown in an autoclave, then often irradiated. The colours are very vivid and even. A very low price should put you on your guard.
• Impossible combinations: crystals that are “green and yellow” or “blue and gold” do not exist in nature.
• Two-tone glass: the separation between the two colours is too sharp, with no transition bands.

A laboratory certificate is the only reliable guarantee for a valuable stone. See also our guide to choosing and caring for your stones.

How to choose

• Balance of colours: stones where violet and yellow share the space well, with a soft transition, are the most sought after.
• Transparency and no visible fractures.
• Price: moderate to high for a fine natural piece; a very low price often signals synthetic material.
• Pairings: it goes well with clear rock crystal.

Frequently asked questions

Also read

The meanings mentioned belong to tradition and symbolism. They are neither promises of results nor medical advice. Back to Guide to stones.