Ametrine
The Purple and Gold Peacemaker
Also known as: Bolivianite, Trystine
About the stone
Ametrine is a naturally bicolored variety of quartz combining purple amethyst and golden-yellow citrine in a single crystal. Its earliest discovery is uncertain, but production at Bolivia’s Anahí mine resumed sporadically in the 1960s, and the gem entered the international market during the 1970s; the mine, near the Brazilian border, remains its only significant commercial source. According to legend—not verified history—a seventeenth-century Spanish conquistador received the mine as a wedding gift when he married an Indigenous princess named Anahí. In an expanded version of the tale, the stone’s two colors symbolize her heart divided between love for her husband and loyalty to her people.
Mineral data
- Chemical composition: Ametrine is a bicolored variety of quartz, a silicon dioxide (SiO2) mineral, in which zones of amethyst and citrine grow together in a single crystal.
- Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale.
- Hardness (collection notes): 7.0 Mohs
- Color: Zoned purple (amethyst) and golden yellow (citrine), with face-up colors that can include peach, magenta and orange in blended cuts.
- Specific gravity: 2.63 - 2.65
- Refractive index: 1.54 - 1.55
Metaphysical data
Ametrine, recognized for uniting the calm of amethyst with the warmth of citrine, has been utilized in metaphysical practices to balance opposites and bring spiritual awareness into daily life.
Balancing Dual Energies
- Ametrine is believed to balance masculine and feminine energies, helping one understand the dualities of life and hold both sides with equal respect.
- It is thought to bring emotional stability by blending the soothing quality of amethyst with the bright, steady drive of citrine.
Emotional Healing
- Ametrine is often used to help balance emotions and maintain emotional stability, especially while working to overcome old habits or addictive patterns.
- It is believed to release negativity from the aura and may help ease the heaviness of stress and low mood.
Harmonizing Energy Centers
- Ametrine is associated with the solar plexus and crown chakras, and is thought to unite the two so that spiritual insight can inform everyday choices.
- Placed between these centers during meditation, it is believed to link personal willpower with higher guidance, grounding lofty ideas in practical action.
Zodiac Associations
- Ametrine is associated with the zodiac sign of Libra, whose search for balance and harmony mirrors the stone's blending of two energies.
- It vibrates to the number 4, linked with stability and structure, and is thought to support steady progress for anyone drawn to its colors.
Spiritual Growth
- Ametrine is believed to bridge the spiritual and the practical, helping one carry meditative clarity into work, family and daily routines.
- It is often used to deepen the understanding of life's dualities, encouraging acceptance of light and shadow as parts of one whole.
Physical Healing
- Ametrine is not a substitute for professional medical advice, but it is traditionally believed to support those working through chronic fatigue, stress disorders and depression.
- It is also said to aid weight loss efforts and the overcoming of addictions, best used alongside qualified care and healthy daily habits.
Care and handling
Ametrine is durable at 7 on the Mohs scale and can be cleaned with mild soapy water and a soft cloth. Prolonged direct sunlight and strong heat may fade or alter the amethyst portion, so display it away from windows. Avoid harsh chemicals and sudden temperature changes.
Individual experiences with Ametrine vary, and its effects are personal rather than guaranteed. Hold it mindfully, notice what it stirs in you, and let it complement, never replace, medical or professional support.